PHUKET: This is the moment when FC Phuket's chances of promotion from Division One went begging last night. It was a penalty shot, missed from point-blank.

FC Phuket played like a team that hadn't been paid - which is hardly surprising, as they haven't seen their salary cheques lately.

Apart from the missed scoring opportunities by both sides, the game, lost by Phuket's Hulks 2-0 to Chantaburi's Hares, was a delight to watch.

Although Phuket, 1-0 down at halftime, challenged strongly in the second half, nothing seemed to quite come off for the hesitant Hulks.

At the 95-minute mark, Chantaburi put paid to Phuket's hopes with the second goal. The small crowd could start going home early.

A few stars were absent for Phuket at home at Surakul Stadium, Phuket City, but that was no excuse. Sitting in fifth spot and with Chantaburi well down at 13th, it was a game Phuket should have won.

There were willing encounters and plenty of physical challenges. At times Chantaburi, all in yellow, spread out over the wet pitch like so many downed daffodils.

We've never seen a player carted off on a stretcher three times in a single match, yet that honor went to the Hares' No. 36 last night. Of course, there was no acting or diving.

Given that Phuket drew with Chantaburi 1-1 in the away game earlier in the season, last night's result was a serious setback, but Hulks' fans had no reason to blame the players.

French 'keeper Jonathan Matijas deserved a bonus for his performance. He was as always a delight to watch.

However, although his contract runs until the season's end and there are seven matches still to be played, the goalie did a lap of honor at the conclusion of the game and wai-ed the Hulks' supporters at their Phuket stand stronghold.

Perhaps he was paying tribute, or just quietly passing the hat around.

The next encounter is a tough one: Buriram FC at Buriram on December 12.

The Hulks' coach has some work to do, and so have FC Phuket's paymasters.