PHUKET: FC Phuket ''Hulk'' fans are expected to turn out in force tomorrow for the big game against Songkhla FC, a game that Phuket really needs to win.
With so many people from Songkhla working on Phuket and the southern province not far away, Surakul Stadium officials in Phuket City are expecting one of the largest audiences so far for what amounts to a Division One southern derby.
New coach Sompong Wattana has strung together some reasonable performances from his Phuket side through FA and Toyota Cup sideshows. But it's the Division One matches that really count.
Phuket's early season hopes now need to be restored. Phuket, lying ninth on 23 points, will need to beat fourth-placed Songkhla on 32 points to prove that the Phuket ''Hulks'' remain worthy contenders for promotion.
The return of former Phuket star Diarra Ali will happen, Phuket officials have promised, but not this weekend. Coach Sompong has also said he is looking at talented Japanese imports to bolster the Phuket Hulks' chances for the remainder of the season.
What Phuket has demonstrated under Sompong is the ability to play attacking football and score.
Expectations of a willingness to confront the goalkeeper, as shown in recent games, is what may draw a record crowd supporting FC Phuket to Surakul on Saturday for the 6pm kickoff.
The original Phuket-Songhkla meeting was postponed because of downpours that flooded large portions of southern Thailand in March and April.
Phuket will be hoping for plenty of thunderbolts on the pitch on Saturday.
Admission is 50 baht for adults and 20 baht for children.
With so many people from Songkhla working on Phuket and the southern province not far away, Surakul Stadium officials in Phuket City are expecting one of the largest audiences so far for what amounts to a Division One southern derby.
New coach Sompong Wattana has strung together some reasonable performances from his Phuket side through FA and Toyota Cup sideshows. But it's the Division One matches that really count.
Phuket's early season hopes now need to be restored. Phuket, lying ninth on 23 points, will need to beat fourth-placed Songkhla on 32 points to prove that the Phuket ''Hulks'' remain worthy contenders for promotion.
The return of former Phuket star Diarra Ali will happen, Phuket officials have promised, but not this weekend. Coach Sompong has also said he is looking at talented Japanese imports to bolster the Phuket Hulks' chances for the remainder of the season.
What Phuket has demonstrated under Sompong is the ability to play attacking football and score.
Expectations of a willingness to confront the goalkeeper, as shown in recent games, is what may draw a record crowd supporting FC Phuket to Surakul on Saturday for the 6pm kickoff.
The original Phuket-Songhkla meeting was postponed because of downpours that flooded large portions of southern Thailand in March and April.
Phuket will be hoping for plenty of thunderbolts on the pitch on Saturday.
Admission is 50 baht for adults and 20 baht for children.
