FC PHUKET went down 1-0 to Buriram FC tonight in a game that gave Phuket fans every hope for the future.

The presence of an army of Buriram fans in Bangkok indicated that Phuket will need more followers to urge its players to bigger and better things.

But that shouldn't be difficult, based on tonight's excellent competitive showing.

The two group winners in the ascendancy race for Thailand's Division One were playing off for a million baht prize. But the good news is that although FC Phuket lost, both clubs ascend in 2011.

The statistics:

Score: Buriram 1 Phuket 0
Shots: Buriram 8 Phuket 8
Corners: Buriram 2 Phuket 11
Fouls: Buriram 15 Phuket 16
Yellow Cards: Buriram 4 Phuket 2
Benefits: Buriram one million baht Phuket 500,000 baht

It was a stirring performance. Here's a replay of Phuketwan's instant live text coverage, a first for Phuket:



6.25pm: The national anthem has been sung and Phuket in black are facing Buriram in red, in front of a large crowd at Bangkok's Suphachalasai Stadium. For the winner: a million baht. The losing team has to settle for 500,000 baht. Some big names from Phuket are in the audience for tonight's match, including club chairman Paiboon Upatising. The team captains exchange flags, the ref's hands are shaken. FC Phuket ''Hulk'' fans are hugely outnumbered, and the Buriram fans have clearly rehearsed some songs. Expect that to change when FC Phuket hits the big time in Division One next year. FC Phuket kicks off . . . it's big game on!
6.35pm: It's been all FC Phuket so far, with 80 percent of the play and several good attacking moves that had the Buriram defence working overtime. The big crowd and the capital city atmosphere is bringing out the best in the islanders.
6.45pm: FC Phuket has made a great fighting start. A few players must be thinking of Camara Ahmed, whose recovery from an on-field heart attack would be encouraged by another big win. Phuket takes a third corner kick . . . to no avail. No. 27 for FC Phuket earns a yellow card for a bland challenge at the 21 minute mark. Fair go, ref! Buriram responds with a challenge and a shot that goes over the top of their goal.
6.50pm: Another yellow card, this time for Buriram's No. 29. The game is being played to a high standard that should attract record numbers to Surakul Stadium in Phuket City when the Division One stuff begins next year. There's no alcohol at this match, probably a good thing. The atmosphere is very intense so far.
6.55pm: Buriram's first corner kick is followed by another for FC Phuket, their fourth. The tv commentators say Buriram's stronger so far but the run of play doesn't support that viewpoint. Whose side are these guys on? Another corner to Phuket! That's number five. The Buriram coach is on his feet, yelling instructions. Clearly, he doesn't agree with the commentators.
7pm: Phuket's No. 21 breaks free, beats two opponents . . .and shoots. It's a miss, but the most aggressive move of the match so far. Phuket has had 53 percent of the play so far. And take another corner. The Hulks just need to capitalise to win. Buriram is easily winning the fans' chanting competition.
7.05pm: Buriram scores at the 39-minute mark. It's a defensive mistake and Buriram No. 17 breaks through with a straight shot. It's quickly followed by a yellow card for Phuket's No. 31. C'mon, Hulks, Settle down.
7.10pm: Another corner for Phuket. Two minutes of injury time added for the first half. Not much time left for Phuket . . . and this time Buriram's No. 31 scores a yellow card. It's a free kick for FC Phuket. Buriram clear, but it's another Phuket corner. We've lost count how many so far.

Half time score: Buriram 1 Phuket 0. Corners: Phuket 9, Buriram 1. Yellow cards: 2-2 Offside: Phuket 1.
Torrid, uncompromising stuff. If Division One games are going to be like this, expect big crowds of football fans in Phuket.

7.40pm: The second half opens in more sedate fashion than the first, with Buriram's huge fan base giving voice again and the red shirts in control. But then there's Phuket corner No. 10. It ain't over yet. A lot of time is still being spent in the Phuket scoring zone.
7.50pm: No doubt now, it's all in Phuket's half. The Buriram captain is substituted at the 55-minute mark. Two minutes later, Buriram's No. 20 takes another yellow card - that's five in all, three for Buriram.
8pm: Ouch! There's a low level foul at the 70 minute mark but it has cost Phuket a free kick to be taken just beyond the box. The Phuket goalie orders up a wall . . . and takes an easy save. Bad luck, Buriram! Four minutes later, it's Phuket's turn from a similar distance out to take a free kick. The curving ball is struck well by No. 25 . . . but the Buriram 'keeper reaches high to reign it in. Shame about that. Phuket substitute No. 30 for No 27 at the 72-minute mark.
8.10pm: At the 80-minute mark, it's 34 on and 21 out for Buriram. At the 83-minute mark, Phuket takes a sharply angled free kick . . . it's not bad, but no score. Phuket needs inspiration now.
8.20pm: Another Phuket free kick goes astray at the 90 minute mark. It follows a similar free kick at 87 minutes. Just after 90 minutes, Phuket's best chance is missed close to goal. Time is running out for the Hulks, but there's at least another yellow card for a Buriram player - because of slow play. And that's it!