Going into the game, Songkhla would have been positive of coming away with three points being positioned at 9th in the Yamaha League One table on 26 points. Phuket had gone down to 15th with 21 points after a por run of results.
"The Southern Fighting Bulls" started the match confidently, but it was the Ronins who came very close to be the first to score in the 12th minute when Begium striker Beline Mdebl (21) received a ball from Patiphat Armatantree 30 yards out and hit a great shot beating Songkhlaʼs keeper but stricking the crossbar.
Five minutes later, Belineʼs attcking partner Pipat Tonkanya (9) had a shot from 25 yards out, but his effort was just inches from the goal.
However, it was the visitors who drew the first save of the match when their striker, Rufino Surarez, had a shot from 18 yards but this was nicely saved Roninʼs first choice keeper and man of the match, Piyawat Intaraphim (19).
The Fighting Bulls grew more confdent as minutes went by and came close to scoring again on 21 minutes. But Ekachai Nuykhaoʼs powerful low shot hit the post.
But it was the Ronins who took the lead on 30 minutes. A poor clearance by Sonkhlaʼs defence went straight to Pipat, and the ex-Thailand team player made them pay for their mistake slamming a right footed shot into the back of the net.
Four minutes later, the Ronins almost doubled their lead when Japanese captain, Sato Yusuke (36) headed in an Andre Lopez corner. However, Sato was ruled to have impeded Songkhlaʼs keeper and much to the annoyance of the home crowd, the goal was disallowed.
Just before the half time whistle Phuketʼs keeper, Piyawat, was again forced to make a save from a shot by Songkhla midfielder, Jongrak Pakdee.
The second half started with no changes and Phuket started strongly. At 52 minutes Phuket came close to scoring again when Pipat received a nice through ball from midfielder Sarawuth Fuengdan (22). However, a miscued shot meant that he played the ball straight into the hands of the keeper.
Five minutes later another shot from Beline was well saved by the Fighting Bullʼs keeper.
Songkhla pressed for an equiliser and almost made it 1-1 when Rufino Sanchez received a ball from Ma-u Seng Saleh but his shot hit the crossbar.
Only minutes later Phuketʼs keeper was again forced to make a great save when Sergio Suarez hit a low shot.
Songkhla had their last chance to score in the 89th minute when Sergio Suarez received a ball inside the box from Ekachai, but his shot was blocked by Phuketʼs defense.
After a frought eight minutes of extra-time, Phuket fans breathed a sigh of relief as the Ronins had managed to keep the score at one-nil and earned a much needed three points.
The win also meant that Phuket moved out of the relegation zone and up two places to 13th with 24 points. The loss meant Songkhla dropped to 11th.
Speaking after the game, coach Dang said, "I feel so happy and relieved for the players because they worked so hard and ended up with an important victory. We have been under a lot of pressure after not winning a game for so long.
"But i would really like to thank the fans for their support today. It was a great atmosphere. I promise that we will work together and work harder at getting better.”
The game against Songkhal was the last match at home in the first half of the 2015-2016 season. Phuket FC start the second half away to BBCU FC on Sunday (July 26). They return to Surakul on Saturday August 1 when they will take on Sukhothai FC. Kick-off will be 7pm.
Class Act Media are proud media partners with Phuket FC.