Phuket FC lose at home again

WICHIT, PHUKET: A heartbreaking last-minute goal gave a 10-man Phatthalung side a shock 1-0 win at Surakul Stadium on Saturday, consigning the hapless Phuket Sea Dragons to their sixth straight home defeat.

The defeat sees Phatthalung leapfrog Phuket FC in the table, leaving Somsak Waijerean’s men firmly rooted at the foot of the table in the eight team league.

The home side enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but were unable to find the back of the net.

Japan Sae-Ung missed the Sea Dragon’s best chance of the first half, heading wide following an excellent cross from the impressive Sidibe Daouda.

After the break, the home side pushed for the opening goal, and midway through the second half Phuket FC should have taken the lead.

Following good link-up play, Cameroonian striker Peka unselfishly squared the ball to an onrushing teammate.

Faced with an open goal, he managed to slice his effort wide from inside the six yard box.

Following the miss, a number of Phuket FC players slumped to the ground in disbelief.

Phattalung, who continued to ride their luck, saw their task made harder when they were reduced to 10 men following what many in the crowd deemed an innocuous challenge.

With time running out and the Sea Dragons pushing hard for the winner, the Phatthalung left back launched a hopeful ball into the Phuket half.

Sensing a brief hesitation in the home defense, the Phatthalung striker raced onto the ball and slotted it past the keeper, who could only watch in horror as the ball hit the inside of the far post and trickled over the line.

The home side tried in vain to find an equalizer, but to no avail.

Phuket’s next match will be played away at third-place Nakorn Sri Thammarat, on August 8.