PHUKET: Possessed by the spirits of winners, Phuket FC managed to topple a team well above them on the Division One ladder tonight.
The 1-0 victory at home in Phuket City over Gulf Saraburi could be a turning point for the luckless Phuket team.
On the other hand, it could have just been a night off for Saraburi, who at sixth on the ladder should have started favorites over eleventh-placed Phuket.
In five previous meetings since 2011, Saraburi have emerged as victors. But not tonight.
The goal at the 50-minute mark by Eak-Athid Somjid proved enough. The 1000 fans who watched the contest on an extremely wet surface probably were more shaken than stirred.
However, a win's a win. After a depressing couple of months, last week's 3-1 derby defeat at the hands of Krabi probably marked a fresh low.
Coach Teco and the players are likely to be be cheered by tonight's showing.
With three more games to go before the lacklustre season ends, Phuket have put enough distance between them and the relegation zone to not be too alarmed.
Last season, the trapdoor groaned, and the Phuket boys were lucky not to fall through. That was all a couple of coaches ago.
The emphasis will now be swinging towards next season and a third attempt tp lift Phuket to its rightful place in the Premier League.
On October 19 Phuket FC are away to PTT Rayong, who tonight were second on the ladder.
Then on October 26 in the season's last home match Phuket meets Rayong (17th) before going away to Nakhonrachasima FC (fifth) on November 2.
The 1-0 victory at home in Phuket City over Gulf Saraburi could be a turning point for the luckless Phuket team.
On the other hand, it could have just been a night off for Saraburi, who at sixth on the ladder should have started favorites over eleventh-placed Phuket.
In five previous meetings since 2011, Saraburi have emerged as victors. But not tonight.
The goal at the 50-minute mark by Eak-Athid Somjid proved enough. The 1000 fans who watched the contest on an extremely wet surface probably were more shaken than stirred.
However, a win's a win. After a depressing couple of months, last week's 3-1 derby defeat at the hands of Krabi probably marked a fresh low.
Coach Teco and the players are likely to be be cheered by tonight's showing.
With three more games to go before the lacklustre season ends, Phuket have put enough distance between them and the relegation zone to not be too alarmed.
Last season, the trapdoor groaned, and the Phuket boys were lucky not to fall through. That was all a couple of coaches ago.
The emphasis will now be swinging towards next season and a third attempt tp lift Phuket to its rightful place in the Premier League.
On October 19 Phuket FC are away to PTT Rayong, who tonight were second on the ladder.
Then on October 26 in the season's last home match Phuket meets Rayong (17th) before going away to Nakhonrachasima FC (fifth) on November 2.
