In a match that saw both sides create chances, a share of the spoils was probably a fair result. Muangtrang started the match looking somewhat shaky, struggling to cope with Phuket’s increasingly fluid passing game. The home side, in contrast, relied heavily on a more direct approach, utilising the aerial prowess of forward Pereira as their main attacking outlet.
Phuket, as has become their trademark in recent weeks, posed a constant threat down both flanks. Wingers Game and Torky regularly swapped wings, causing confusion in the Muangtrang defence, while striker Bank drifted to the right and linked well with both, driving menacingly into the box.
Both sides had opportunities to open the scoring in the first twenty minutes. A clash between Muangtrang keeper Teerapong and Phuket’s Torky during a corner resulted in a lengthy delay as the goalkeeper received treatment before being substituted. This stoppage seemed to disrupt Phuket’s rhythm, allowing Muangtrang to seize control and launch wave after wave of attacks.
The deadlock was broken in the 29th minute, albeit controversially. A dubious free-kick was awarded to Muangtrang, and while the initial shot was deflected, it fell kindly for number nine Somprat, who made no mistake from close range.
Phuket emerged for the second half with renewed vigour. Substitute goalkeeper Natthawut was called into action early, making several crucial saves, including a particularly impressive stop to deny Bank. However, the in-form Phuket striker was not to be denied. In the 58th minute, good work down the left flank by Ohm culminated in a superb strike from Bank that left the keeper stranded.
While Bank and his fellow attackers were causing problems for the home side, Phuket’s own defence had to remain alert. Pereira’s aerial dominance allowed Muangtrang to play long balls forward, creating several nervy moments for the visitors. Thankfully for Phuket, goalkeeper Bee was in excellent form, making a number of vital saves to keep his side in the game.
The introduction of impact substitutes Prem, Ball, and Bebe allowed Phuket to maintain pressure on Muangtrang until the final whistle. Despite both teams having chances to win the game, a draw was a fair reflection of the match.
Phuket will be pleased to come away from Trang with a point, especially with a favourable run of fixtures leading up to the end of the first leg of games in November.
On a final note, there is some confusion surrounding the eligibility of Bebe and Kla, both of whom appeared to be suspended following a red and yellow card respectively in previous matches.
Man of the Match: 27 - ‘Min’ Kittinan. The midfielder was a dominant presence for Phuket, providing a steadying influence in a midfield that is starting to gel. With fellow midfielder Petch dropping deeper from the number ten position, Phuket now have a more robust and balanced look in the centre of the park. Kittinan has a lot to offer this team this season and will undoubtedly play a key role in their future success.
The result leaves Phuket 10th in the 12-team table following 3 losses, 2 draws and one win.
PAFC Formation: 4-2-3-1
PAFC Line Up:
99 - ‘Bee’ Anawin (GK)
66 - ‘Keng’ Patapee
4 - ‘Bass’ Akkharadech
3 - ‘Mark’ Rungsak
79 - ‘Ohm’ Athagorn
27 - ‘Min’ Kittinan
55 - Kla’ Patapee
11 - ‘Torky’Abdelrahman
17 - ‘Game’ Satawat
8 - ‘Petch’ Chinnatan
9 - ‘Bank’ Sarod (Goal 53”)
Substitutes:
46 - ‘Pang’ Mumadirfan
7 - ‘Rahman’ Abdelrahman
26 - ‘Preuk’ Kitipat
21 - ‘Ball’ Muhammad (60” on for 11)
18 - ‘Prem’ Saekoy (67” on for 8)
25 - ‘Chao Pan’Kwanchai
29 - ‘Pong’ Pokpong
77 - ‘Bebe’ Coulibary (72” on for 17)
41 - ‘Phum’’ Sathaporn
47 - Wuttichai
The next match is at home on Saturday (Oct 26) against Yala City, kick-off 3:30pm.