In their initial meeting this season in Phuket on May 30, it was the Andaman Pearl who came on top 3-2, and the Capitals were determined to make up for it in the rematch at the 72nd Anniversery Sports Arena in Minburi.
Setting the pace early on, the Capitals controlled play and had the majority of chances, but were unable to beat Phuket’s national star keeper Chalermsri Puangsri, – that is until the 15th minute when a quick touchline combination ended at Bangkok’s national pivot, Piyapan Rattana, unmarked at the far post where he nailed home the opening goal in a single touch.
Two minutes later, in similar fashion, Phuket’s second leading scorer Suttipong Glutcharoen answered back with the equaliser, unmarked at the far post for an easy practice-perfect goal off the assist from Thanakorn Penpakul.
A minute later, Bangkok got one up on a corner played into the area that was deflected into the net and credited as an own-goal to Phuket’s Thanakorn Piyaprichayut.
Four minutes into the second half, evasive footwork by Bangkok’s Panya Aranyaphuwanat, penetrating the heart of Phuket territory, culminated with an unchallenged strike hitting its target through the top left triangle of the goal post to give the his side a 3-1 lead.
Minutes later, the home team’s advantage was reduced when an ugly challenge by Asaming Dalae prompted the referee’s red card and subsequent ejection.
Accordingly, Bangkok consolidated their zone defence, sealing off any chance for direct fronts into the area.
But the visitors pressed and in the 17th minute of the half, a long range strike by Suttipong was deflected off a defender, giving the ball just the right spin and trajectory to find its way into the back of the net.
Unphased, Bangkok held on to their 3-2 lead in the remaining minutes of play to the delight of the crowd, and as a result moved up into 2nd place of FTPL with 34 points, while Phuket fell into 6th place, still with 30 points.
And with unbeaten Chonburi far ahead of the pack, clear of 2nd place by 15 points and only nine fixtures remaining in the season, it looks to be yet another exciting fight for 2nd and 3rd positions this season.
Phuket continue their campaign this Sunday (July 12) with their rematch at home against 3rd placed Samut Sakhon (32 points) who beat Phuket on May 23, 3-2 in the Thai capital. The match kicks off at 7pm at the Saphan Hin Sports Centre.
A win could restore Phuket’s 4th place position, but it will also depend on how current fifth placed Thai Port (30 points also, see table) fair in their match this weekend with Sisaket.
Class Act Media are proud media partners with Phuket United.