The loss was the Ronins' first at Surakul Stadium this year.
The visitors' 'Ancient Warriors' drew first blood in the 20th minute through a goal by Sathit Si-uthai, who capatilised on a nicely placed freekick from Englishman Michael Byrne.
Phuket’s Anusak Laosengthai found the equaliser six minutes later with a header, assisted by towering Brazilian center back Tales Dos Santos using his height advantage to find the end of a free kick from Eber Henrique.
The momentum swung to the home team moments later when Ayuthaya's Natakorn Plainoom was ejected from the game after a flagrant kick to Anusak Laosengthai’s midsection.
Down to 10 men, Ayuthaya still pushed for a goal and found it again through Sathit Si-uthai, who scored his second of the evening only moments before the half time whistle.
Anusak was clearly back in form after the break, when he scored the equaliser and second goal of the night five minutes into the second half.
But Ayuthaya still had some fight left in them, and a long range free kick from husky Michael Byrne did not miss its mark.
Celebrations from Ney Fabiano’s equaliser, a beautiful header in the 70th minute, would not be sustained; Ayuthaya’s Ponthep Mullalee’s header in the 86th minute would turn out to be the winning goal.
Stay tuned for Phuket News TV video highlights and reflections from both coaches and players.
Phuket FC now look ahead to their next match, a league fixture this Saturday against Nakhon Pathom. Kickoff will be at 6.30pm.
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