Monkton Phoenix kicked off their pre-season campaign with a friendly game against fellow counterparts Monkton Villa in what proved to be a closely fought and eventful game.
With both teams having only the bare 7 available, the game saw Phoenix field an unusual line up with a few players playing out of their favoured positions.
The game got off to a somewhat nervous start with neither team wanting to concede the first blow. However, once Phoenix found their feet they were soon back into the routine that saw them finish so strongly towards the end of last season. Neat, crisp passes were evident, movement off the ball was good and it wasn’t long before chances were being created – most notable were those of both Charlie & Jake who came close to breaking the deadlock. Villa were not without chances of their own, but great defensive clearances from Kane and the usual solid performance from Jack at the back combined with some good saves from makeshift goalkeeper Alex kept Villa at bay until half time with both teams going into the break at 0-0.
A few changes at half-time by the manager saw Charlie pull on the goalkeepers jersey, Callum shift into a more defensive role alongside Jack and a new midfield trio of Ryan, Kane and Alex hoping to feed Jake upfront. These changes proved to be the undoing of the game, with Phoenix knocked of their stride as they began the second half. Villa took the advantage in the second half with a scrappy goal to put Phoenix 1-0 down. Phoenix fought back with Ryan finding the net from a long range free kick to bring the game back to 1-1. The Phoenix fight back seemed to anger Villa and the game soon turned into a kicking match rather than the display of football we were all hoping for. Both teams guilty of losing their discipline at times and this distracted Phoenix from the job in hand. Another sloppy goal from the Phoenix perspective saw Villa lead 2-1. Despite some breakaway football late on, Villa were able to hang on to the game and left with the win.
Overall, a pleasing performance. Good passing at times & willingness to get stuck in were the positives to take away from this match.
Special mentions must go to Charlie for a great first half performance, his bravery in goal during the second half and Alex’s safe hands in goal in the first half.
However, we need to learn to concentrate on the job in hand, keep a cool head and play our own game rather than be dragged into scrappy football. With the manager taking responsibility for half time changes and how the game panned out in the second half.
