PHUKET: A large crowd turned out tonight to see Phuket FC fight to survive in Division One, and the audience got what they wanted.

The 4-0 victory over JW Rangsit at Surakul Stadium, Phuket's home in Phuket City, began with a goal at the two-minute mark.

That provided a sense of relief to the 3500 fans - most of them Phuket followers - who have been through a turbulent season of 34 matches as Phuket rode the lows and the highs.

So delighted was one fan that he stripped to his jocks for a lap of the pitch.

Just what nakedness and running around a football ground has to do with winning a football game was fortunately left to the imagination.

But there was general excitement at Phuket clinching its place in Division One after such a topsy turvy season.

Only the imposition of a new management team and not one but two new coaches appears to have saved the day for Phuket.

JW Rangsit, sitting on the trapdoor of relegation, didn't have the same options as Phuket and after 90 minutes, plunged through into the murkier waters of Second Division.

Phuket's first goal after two minutes came from Nonthaphan Jeansathawong.

It was followed by the first of a double from Man of the Match Ibrahim Kanoute, who scored his first at the 43 minute mark then again after 72 minutes.

In between, Taiwin Bootsom delivered Phuket's third goal at the 63 minute mark.

It was a time for celebration and for casting Phuket's hopes forward to next February, when the new season begins.

Fortunately, with one exception, the large crowd managed to share their elation - but keep their clothes on.