Srisaket wins DTAC soccer tourney

PHUKET TOWN: The superior teamwork of Srisaket’s provincial soccer team won them the 1st DTAC Super League Cup Tao Thep Invitational tournament on Sunday with a 4-3 victory in the final over Chiang Mai. The final, at Surakul Stadium, proved entertaining despite heavy rain. Within minutes of the opening whistle, Srisaket were awarded a penalty. Chayanon Rungsantee missed, but made up for his mistake by scoring not once, but twice in the first half. Srisaket’s Punlop Kaemjaree was sent off before the break for his second hard tackle and Chiang Mai took advantage of the extra man, putting the ball through to Pichade Sadin, who slotted home just before half time. Srisaket reasserted themselves during the second half with Chaowarit Pongsara netting a free kick from outside the penalty area and Puwadon Sankra scoring from another. Chiang Mai fought back with a goal by Piyawong Wongchai, and a penalty during extra time, awarded for hand-ball. Pakpum Chataboon plugged it in. Jarun Puttawong, Chiang Mai’s assistant coach, said that he had been concerned about the team’s fitness, and that poor teamwork had let them down in attack. He added that the wet pitch had added to their problems. Jongkol Junwong, Srisaket’s head, coach conceded that even though Chiang Mai’s tactics were better than Srisaket’s, the Isarn team’s closer teamwork had given them a well-deserved victory. Tao Thep Phuket won third place without needing to take the field as the fourth team in the competition, Chiang Rai, had to forfeit because half of their players were injured. However, a team from Patong Beach Resort stepped up to play a friendly match, losing to Tao Thep Phuket 6-1. Srisaket’s Chayanon Rungsantee was the highest goal scorer, while Chiang Mai’s Sira Doypila was declared player of the competition and Anurak Petchrun of Tao Thep Phuket was awarded the title of most creative player.