Somjit’s low-lying shot to the left side of the net was a sigh of relief to a fanbase that had winced at Phuket FC’s results the past nine weeks. Saturday’s (September 6) victory is significant in that it not only gives coach Reuther his first win after taking over the team on August 4, but ends a nine-game winless streak.
“This is important win for us. The team play very well before but problem was to score. I’m happy for today’s win,” coach Reuther said after the match.
Fans would have to go back two full months to remember what it felt like to cheer for a winning Phuket side (A 1-0 home win against Ang Thong on July 6). In that span, Phuket lost four games and tied five times. This is also the third win in 15 games for Phuket FC, which explains the team’s aboutface from potential Yamaha League-1 contenders to a squad fighting to stay in division 1 altogether.
“I never go division 2, I want to stay division 1 next year,” said Ronins defender Yusuke Sato after last night’s victory. “Today we get good result. It is a success for me to understand about coach and tactical side.”
The win gives Phuket three desperately-needed points heading into the month-long League-1 holiday break. Coach Reuther believes the time away from the intensity of a Yamaha League-1 match will help the team get familiar with his tactics and style of play.
“Now we go 25 days for work on the system. The system is very good. I try to make system very dangerous against opponents. I have the time now to help the team with the physical, tactical and technical. The next games, Phuket will show vast improvement,” Reuther said.
Phuket FC will resume their Yamaha League-1 play on the road against Khonkaen FC on October 4 (6pm kick off), and are scheduled for friendly match against Thailand Premier League team Singh Tharua on September 27, to be played at Surakul Stadium with a 6.30pm kickoff.