PHUKET: There were so many changes to the schedule for tonight's friendly between FC Phuket and Thailand's under 23 side for the SEA Games that it was actually a pleasant surprise when both sides turned up to play.

The charity match in the end, having been set for Friday, then Saturday, then Thursday, did well to attract 13,000 baht in gate takings. The less important part was that FC Phuket defeated Thailand 2-1 at Surakul Stadium in Phuket City..

It's to be hoped that the lessons learned tonight serve Thailand well in the international competition that follows in Indonesia.

FC Phuket's young star striker, Sarat ''Tang'' Au-Yen, will be a part of the Thailand team. Tonight it was FC Phuket's French 'keeper Jonathan Matijas who was given a real workout.

Phuket was never really stretched, scoring at the 14 minute mark then topping up with a penalty after 63 minutes. Thailand scored a penalty after 73 minutes, just to put something on their sheet.

The hopes of everyone on Phuket will be riding north, to Bangkok, and southward, to Indonesia, in coming days. FC Phuket's next fixture is on November 26, away in Saraburi.