Phuket Andaman FC’s opening half-hour against Phatthalung in the 1-1 draw yesterday (Feb 2) offered a tantalising glimpse of the form hinted at towards the end of the season’s first leg.
Two factors appear to have contributed to this resurgence. On the pitch, a return to the 3-5-2 formation clearly suited the players better. Off it, and perhaps more crucially, news of secured investment and cleared back wages seems to have lifted the squad.
Phuket started brightly, though against a noticeably weaker Phatthalung than the side they faced earlier in the season. While still some way from perfect, the team showed cohesion. The midfield distributed the ball effectively, and the strike partnership of Danielsson and Bank caused problems for the visitors’ defence.
On 10 minutes, Danielsson, following good work on the left, controlled the ball and slotted it home for his first Phuket goal. This seemed to galvanise the team, with the towering Swede and Bank both squandering chances to extend the lead.
In the sweltering heat, the game was paused at 30 minutes for a water break. This seemed to inject new life into Phatthalung, who pressed for an equaliser. Only some fine goalkeeping from Bee prevented the Lobsters from surrendering the lead before the interval.
As is often the case in League 3, the second half descended into a scrappy affair, resembling a basketball match at times, with both teams trading chances and missed opportunities. Phuket hearts were, as so often this season, broken late on when Phatthalung snatched a point with a set-piece goal in injury time.
Coach Tum deserves credit for the improved performance, but he cannot afford to be complacent. This team is still some way off competing with the league’s stronger sides. He needs to address the back three’s inability to play wider, which in turn restricts the wing-backs’ attacking forays.
Danielsson should be deployed centrally to maximise his considerable talent, and the cultured defender, Kai Boham, surely deserves his debut. All in all, this was a better showing from Phuket , and hopefully, they can build on it in the coming weeks.
The result leaves Phuket in 10th position in the 12 team league. Their next match is on Sunday (Feb 9) away at Pattani FC.
Simon Causton is the host of ‘A Thai Football Podcast’ and writer of the ’Tee-Sen" (ที่เส้น) - At the line’ blog which covers all things Thai football.