‘Local’ soccer team beats celebrities

PHUKET TOWN: A team comprising local footballers and members of the Thai national soccer squad stamped their authority on Saturday’s match to celebrate the reopening of Surakul Stadium, with a 7-5 victory over a celebrity side. Thai international Sutree Suksomkit, playing for the “Locals”, was the first to find the net after just nine minutes. A few minutes later, Sutree’s national teammate Tedsak Jaiman scored from 18 yards out to take the local team to a 2-0 lead. The Celebrities retaliated in the 16th minute with a goal from actor “Toi Mangpo”. Not to be outdone, his teammate, singer “Tah” Chanit Yaisamer, headed the ball into the back of the net just four minutes later to even the score. A defensive error by the celebrities allowed the Locals to strike once more, leaving the score at 3-2 at half time. After the break, the Locals’ national stars stepped up the pace against the flagging celebrities. First to strike was Thai national player Tawan Sripan, followed by Tedsak with two more in the back of the net and Chokthawee Phomrat with another goal. The Celebrities dug in and managed to claw back into the game with three goals before the final whistle, not enough to win the match, but certainly enough to leave the field with heads held high. Proceeds from ticket sales were donated to local sports clubs and to charities working to help victims of the recent floods in southern Thailand.