Finally, after being postponed twice before and despite the forecast of ice and snow, Phoenix Lions final match in League C East against Meridian White went ahead. The Lions knew only an 0-8 defeat would stop them winning the league but they wanted to win the title in style.
Kick Off
The Lions set up well with regular keeper Josh, Ben and Charlie marshalling the back line, Jack, James and George in midfield and Henry in the lone striker role. Archie and Tom plus Jai, carrying an injury, were waiting for their chance on the sidelines.
The match started fairly evenly with the small bumpy pitch playing a part in some mis-placed passes and efforts on goal going wide or over the bar of the smaller sized goals.
Phoenix were nullifying any threat from Meridian but were failing to create many clear cut chances of their own, seemingly trying too hard and being rushed into long range shots.
Charlie got in some good positions from set pieces but was thwarted by the pitch and a few chances for Henry, Tom and James either hit the side netting or the Meridian keeper was equal to them.
In fact it was Josh in the Phoenix goal who made some cracking saves to keep Phoenix in the game.
The breakthrough wouldn't come and at half time there was no score.
Half Time - Meridian 0 Phoenix 0
After a half time team talk and a couple of substitutions, the Lions came out fighting in the second half and played some good football early on.
The breakthrough finally came just after half time when some good team play led to a chance for Henry Powell who slotted home for 1-0.
Shortly afterwards, James made it 2-0 after some more good team play and it looked like being plain sailing from then on.
Meridian were not out of it though and after a couple more substitutions, the Lions seemed to lose their shape and the Meridian number 11, who had been in a constant battle with Charlie all afternoon, slotted home well to make it 2-1.
Almost straight from kick off, Lions found themselves with breathing space again. This is when Phoenix Lions own Gareth Bale (a.k.a. James) took the game by the scruff of the neck. He'd been a constant threat all afternoon but couldn't find the killer finish. Finally he got his reward as he ran straight at the Meridian defence before slotting coolly home for 3-1. Surely that was game over?
Meridian were not out of it though and fought back to make it 3-2 and the pressure was back on Phoenix to see the game out. Meridian tales were up now and they managed to fashion a few more chances almost levelling the scores.
James, now on a hat-trick decided, his team were not to be denied a title win and showed them the way as he got the ball in his own half and promptly took on virtually the whole Meridian team before smashing home a great finish for 4-2 and to complete his hat-trick.
As the match drew to a close, Archie Roast got the ball on the right wing and went past a Meridian defender before lofting a great finish into the roof of the net for 5-2.
Full Time - Meridian 2 Phoenix 5
The win confirmed Phoenix Lions as Champions of C East. As the managers shook hands and Meridian congratulated Phoenix on the win, the Meridian said that was the best his team had played all season so it was a hard fought title victory for the Lions.
A presentation duly followed on the pitch in front of some very proud parents and relatives.
Special mentions to manager Jason Ash and his assistant Martyn Whitman who give their time and effort for free, stick to their footballing values and allow the boys time to progress as they all have done over the last few years.
A proud day for them, the players and everyone associated with the team.
Now the hard work starts in League B. Come on you Lions!
Final League table (overall)
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Phoenix Lions 9 7 1 1 38 17 21 15
2 Kingfisher JFC 9 6 1 2 32 21 11 13
3 Royal Gr Park 9 6 0 3 30 15 15 12
4 Welling Wdrs 9 4 4 1 31 20 11 12
5 Dartford White 9 3 5 1 16 14 2 11
6 Welling Utd 9 3 2 4 25 24 1 8
7 Titan Tig Black 9 2 2 5 21 32 -11 6
8 Meridian White 9 2 1 6 21 36 -15 5
9 Newtown Red 9 1 2 6 10 25 -15 4
10 Cray Sharks 9 1 2 6 12 32 -20 4
