PHUKET: It is always likely to produce an equal and opposite reaction but we have to say it: Sunday's big match is a do-or-die must win game for Phuket FC.
Coming off a 3-0 thumping at the hands (and the feet) of Airforce United, the reborn Phuket team now finds itself at relegation's door.
Being twelth on the Division One ladder means the Islanders are just a defeat or two from positions fourteen to eighteen, where the teams remain reluctant candidates for Division Two.
Unexcited by that prospect, Phuket FC faces off from 6.30pm on Sunday at home in Phuket City to Phattalung FC. That's the side with its feet on the trapdoor, in thirteenth position.
Twelth versus thirteenth might not sound like Liverpool versus Manchester United but then, with so much at stake, an exciting match can be expected at Surakul Stadium.
It's a southern rivalry with southern comfort only available to the winner. Manage a draw and the trapdoor will still be looming for one or both sides.
Phuket keeper Alonso Goleiro has come down with a fever and a stomach ailment that will prevent him from playing.
Poramat Krongborisut is also sidelined, having requested leave to settle some family business elsewhere in Thailand, as one must.
Coach Coach Rong ''Noi'' Ajanyoot has been forced to ignore the adage ''neither a borrower or a lender be'' in fetching the assistance of Benjarong Pukwaya from the Thai Port side to bolster Phuket.
A good-sized crowd is expected to turn out regardless to see whether Phuket FC can resume the good showing that was evident before last weekend's drubbing.
Trapdoors? Who needs them.
Coming off a 3-0 thumping at the hands (and the feet) of Airforce United, the reborn Phuket team now finds itself at relegation's door.
Being twelth on the Division One ladder means the Islanders are just a defeat or two from positions fourteen to eighteen, where the teams remain reluctant candidates for Division Two.
Unexcited by that prospect, Phuket FC faces off from 6.30pm on Sunday at home in Phuket City to Phattalung FC. That's the side with its feet on the trapdoor, in thirteenth position.
Twelth versus thirteenth might not sound like Liverpool versus Manchester United but then, with so much at stake, an exciting match can be expected at Surakul Stadium.
It's a southern rivalry with southern comfort only available to the winner. Manage a draw and the trapdoor will still be looming for one or both sides.
Phuket keeper Alonso Goleiro has come down with a fever and a stomach ailment that will prevent him from playing.
Poramat Krongborisut is also sidelined, having requested leave to settle some family business elsewhere in Thailand, as one must.
Coach Coach Rong ''Noi'' Ajanyoot has been forced to ignore the adage ''neither a borrower or a lender be'' in fetching the assistance of Benjarong Pukwaya from the Thai Port side to bolster Phuket.
A good-sized crowd is expected to turn out regardless to see whether Phuket FC can resume the good showing that was evident before last weekend's drubbing.
Trapdoors? Who needs them.
