FC Phuket loses to Buriram

PHUKET: Despite a strong showing, FC Phuket went down to Buriram FC by a score of 0-1 in the championship match of the Thai League Division 1 promotion playoffs in Bangkok this evening.

Phuket FC had a clear advantage in terms of possession and good chances, but the only goal of the match came at 39 minutes of the first half when Buriram player Supakit capitalized on an errant pass in the Phuket backfield to score from 25 yards out.

Playing all out for the one-million-baht winner’s purse, the Southern Sea Kirin pushed hard for the rest of the match but were unable to find the back of the net.

Several fine scoring opportunities sailed over the crossbar, including a penalty area salvo in the 89th minute by Ivory Coast player Diarra Ali.

Buriram FC enjoyed a huge advantage in terms of crowd support, with thousands of fans dressed in red compared to a small contingent of die-hard FC Phuket supporters.

The match at Suphachalasai Stadium in Bangkok gave a good indication of what is in store for the Southern Sea Kirin in the upcoming season in Division 1.

FC Phuket will not come home empty handed, however. The team will take home the runners-up prize of 500,000 baht.

The exciting match was televised nationally on the T-Sports network, the second time the team have been given national exposure.

— Stephen Fein