FC Phuket 1-0 Samutprakarn


PHUKET: Accidents will happen. Look for Phuket's Hulks to grow green and mean on Sunday in a must-win home game that will set the standard for their Division One finish this season.

Last Sunday FC Phuket lost a practice match to Krabi FC 2-1, mainly because Phuket was giving time on the pitch to reserves to test its depth - and now, Phuket will need every last bit of its depth.

Phuket lost defender Wiraroj Janpeng for Sunday's big game against Samutprakarn Customs United to a red card, and on Wednesday his likely replacement, Korntong Jarurnpom, needed stitched in a head wound after a Phuket pick-up crash, making him a non-starter. As we said, accidents will happen.

Fortunately, Sarat ''Tang'' Au-Yen returns from a stint with the Asia Games national side, so the reconstituted FC Phuket should be able to fill a hole or two.

Phuket may be languishing a little in seventh position but the Hulks' form is excellent, having claimed 13 points from a possible 15 in the past five games, spoiling a winning streak only with a 1-1 away draw in Chiang Mai.

Phuket coach Sompong Wattana can certainly claim the credit if the Hulks continue to assert themselves. With nine matches remaining, there's still time for them to resurrect their mission and win promotion to Premier League next season.

They need a top-three finish to do that. Phuket has 39 points and must overhaul third-placed Chainat FC on 51 or BBCU in second on 52. (Chainat, like Phuket, won promotion from Division Two this season.)

Buriram shows no sign of giving up top position on 58 points, but BBCU is especially vulnerable having failed to win any of its last five matches, just as Phuket found its mojo.

One more accident waiting to happen could involve Phuket striker Tamasee Ayee-U-Sao. He is being eyed as a potential starter in the Thailand national team, which would be good for Phuket in the long-term if he returned with extra skills but not so good for the important Division One games coming up.

Last time around at Samutprakarn, Phuket drew 2-2, and with Samutprakarn in thirteenth spot on the ladder, Phuket should have no problems growing green and mean. Just be prepared for accidents.

The Phuket-Samutprakarn match is scheduled to begin at Surakul Stadium in Phuket City at 6pm tomorrow. Hopefully, it could even be played in dry weather on a pitch with plenty of new growth.

Really keen sports lovers should be able to watch Australia versus New Zealand in the World Cup Rugby semi from 3pm before heading for the football. Go Hulks!