PHUKET: Phuket FC is set for its biggest test yet as the on-a-roll Islanders take on the top team in a Division One classic tomorrow.
With three victories to their credit and 10 points from four matches, Phuket has never shown better form.
But Ratchaburi Mitrphol FC is nine points clear at the top of the table and Phuket's toughest test yet.
Phuket FC coach Rong ''Noi'' Ajanyoot, the man who can claim most credit for Phuket's turnaround from losers to doosers, is optimistic but measured.
''We can't underestimate the scale of this mountain,'' he said. ''We've done wonderfully well in the past few weeks.
''However, taking on the top side is a tall order, even if we do have the advantage of being on home turf.''
And the home turf at Surakul Stadium in Phuket City should be decidedly soggy, with wet conditions possibly helping Phuket more than Ratchaburi.
Their last victory was scored in the wet over two days, when the match against Bangkok FC had to be suspended last weekend at the 25 minute mark, and restarted the following day, because of rain.
Although an own goal sealed the deal for Phuket, that piece of good fortune nevertheless gave the Islanders three 1-0 victories on the trot.
The Phuket weather has been so bleak this week that Phuket FC has had to hone its skills indoors.
Worse than a flood in Old Phuket Town, three of the Phuket regulars are in doubt because of signs of influenza.
NeNe Bi Sylvestre, Ibrahim Kanoute and Nawapol Tantisenee are all still likely to take the field, but a decision won't be made on the final team until the last minute.
It's been some time since Phuket prepared for a match at home with a string of victories behind them, which encourages team officials to believe a record crowd will turn out at Surakul stadium in Phuket City, despite the weather.
Ratchaburi defeated Phuket 3-0 back in May. Kickoff is at 6.30pm Sunday.
With three victories to their credit and 10 points from four matches, Phuket has never shown better form.
But Ratchaburi Mitrphol FC is nine points clear at the top of the table and Phuket's toughest test yet.
Phuket FC coach Rong ''Noi'' Ajanyoot, the man who can claim most credit for Phuket's turnaround from losers to doosers, is optimistic but measured.
''We can't underestimate the scale of this mountain,'' he said. ''We've done wonderfully well in the past few weeks.
''However, taking on the top side is a tall order, even if we do have the advantage of being on home turf.''
And the home turf at Surakul Stadium in Phuket City should be decidedly soggy, with wet conditions possibly helping Phuket more than Ratchaburi.
Their last victory was scored in the wet over two days, when the match against Bangkok FC had to be suspended last weekend at the 25 minute mark, and restarted the following day, because of rain.
Although an own goal sealed the deal for Phuket, that piece of good fortune nevertheless gave the Islanders three 1-0 victories on the trot.
The Phuket weather has been so bleak this week that Phuket FC has had to hone its skills indoors.
Worse than a flood in Old Phuket Town, three of the Phuket regulars are in doubt because of signs of influenza.
NeNe Bi Sylvestre, Ibrahim Kanoute and Nawapol Tantisenee are all still likely to take the field, but a decision won't be made on the final team until the last minute.
It's been some time since Phuket prepared for a match at home with a string of victories behind them, which encourages team officials to believe a record crowd will turn out at Surakul stadium in Phuket City, despite the weather.
Ratchaburi defeated Phuket 3-0 back in May. Kickoff is at 6.30pm Sunday.
