On a chilly Sunday, Phoenix Lions arrived at Phoenix Sports Club ready to continue their recent good run of form. After losing the first game of the season, they have since won six games on the bounce to progress in the cup and move them up the league.
Visitors this time were Kingfisher JFC who were the current top team and unbeaten in the league this season. Victory for the Lions would see them displace Kingfisher and move top themselves.
Phoenix started well and carried on their recent good form with some excellent passing moves. Henry Powell and Jack Whitman both coming close to opening the scoring.
However, after exerting pressure on the Kingfisher goal for most of the first half, Phoenix suddenly found themselves a goal down. A breakaway down the right saw a cross cleared out straight to a Kingfisher player who slotted home. 0-1.
The lead didn't last long though as Phoenix continued to attack and got their reward shortly after. After some good build up play, there was a goalmouth scramble, the ball came out to Jack Whitman who struck cleanly at goal and saw his shot deflected off a Kingfisher defender and in. 1-1.
Determined to take advantage of playing down the notorious Phoenix slope, the Lions attacked again and the ball broke to George Dennington who struck well towards the left of the goal but with the keeper committed to the save, one of his defenders stuck out a foot and sent the ball the other way and in. 2-1.
Now with their tails up, Phoenix piled forward again. Some good work from Charlie Hanmore, playing out from the back, then Archie Roast down the left forced a corner. As the corner was cleared, Jack Whitman crossed in and found George Dennington who struck first time to place an excellent finish past the keeper. 3-1.
From 0-1 down to 3-1 up in ten minutes!
Half Time - Phoenix Lions 3 Kingfisher JFC 1
Both teams were making changes throughout but it didn't affect any of the Phoenix play as they continued to work as a team especially the midfield with the likes of Jack Whitman and Tom Wray making tackles and finding space and Archie Roast providing trickery and skill on the flanks. With a defence expertly marshalled by Charlie Hanmore, James Ash and Jai Carter, Phoenix were determined to hang onto their lead.
A fourth goal arrived in the form of some more excellent build up play and another excellent finish from Jack Whitman.
To Kingfishers credit, they did not give up though. A free kick was awarded on the edge of the Phoenix box and Josh Anderson was aware of the need to be on his toes. Sure enough the shot was thundered in but Josh was equal to it and tipped it over the bar for a great save.
Kingfisher did eventually get a second which made it a nervy last 5 minutes for Phoenix but they held on.
The referee, who had been excellent all afternoon and let the game flow as much as possible, blew the whistle and it was all over.
Full Time - Phoenix Lions 4 Kingfisher JFC 2
That win takes Phoenix Lions to the top of the U10 C East League and takes their winning streak to 6 games. Credit to the players and the management team of Jason Ash and Martyn Whitman proving that persistence and hard work pays off.
3 more league games to play before the mini break - one of which could be a league decider vs Welling Wanderers - plus the next round of the cup.
Given their current form, no team will want to face the Lions.....roll on next Sunday!
