With just 2 league games to play and the chance to win their first title, Phoenix Lions arrived at a sunny Phoenix Sports Club for what would surely be their toughest match left.
Ahead of them was a match against the old enemy Welling Wanderers - somewhat of a bogey side for Phoenix who had never quite managed to beat them. They also managed to stop the Lions promotion charge at the end of the previous season so this was a chance for revenge.
Kick Off
Phoenix started the match kicking up the famous pitch one slope and were playing some lovely football. In almost the first attack, some lovely interplay between Henry and Jack set up Archie who powered home a beauty from the edge of the box. 1-0.
With their tails up, the Lions now started to play some of their best football of the season. A few indoor practice sessions had seemed to have focussed their minds on finding space and that killer pass. They seemed to be cutting through Welling with ease but some good saves from the Welling keeper and a few near misses kept the score down.
Welling had a few attacks but some brilliant tackles from Ben and Charlie at the back and good work in midfield from Archie, James, George and Tom nullified the Welling threat. Henry was a constant thorn in the Welling defence side as he tried to create space and worked hard.
Eventually the pressure told. Josh rolled the ball out to Charlie who looked up and sent a superb ball down the right which Henry chased down. He crossed it back to Jack who found George in the box who slotted him into the bottom corner. 2-0 and no more than Phoenix deserved.
Half Time - Phoenix Lions 2 Welling Wanderers 0.
As the second half kicked off, Phoenix were determined to take advantage of kicking down the slope. An early attack bought a corner which Welling half cleared but the ball fell for Archie to slot in for his second. 3-0.
The Lions were well and truly roaring now.
But Welling were playing some good stuff of their own in the second half. They never let their heads drop and despite having no substitues, were determined to get themselves something to fight for. It arrived with a scrappy goal after some sloppy defensive work allowed their striker to slot past keeper Josh. 3-1.
The Welling management sensed a comeback was on and a second arrived for Welling after some more good interplay through their midfield and they made it 3-2.
The second half was not going to plan. Instead of using the slope, it actually worked against Phoenix as their attacks frequently ended with the ball going out for a goal kick as the ball raced away out of play.
Nerves were jangling now and despite Lions best efforts, Welling managed to get an equaliser to send their players and management into raptures. Not a great goal but again, where the Lions had defended as a team first half, they were now playing as individuals again and had allowed Welling back into the game. 3-3.
3 goals in 10 mad second half minutes had completely rocked the Lions.
There wasn't long left on the clock. Phoenix heads were down and Welling were in the ascendancy. The referee who had an excellent game, called time and it was all over. Honours even.
Full Time - Phoenix Lions 3 Welling Wanderers 3.
A point not the worst result for Phoenix Lions and the title was still on. They would now have to wait and see how other teams around them had fared.
As the clock struck 8.30pm, the Selkent website was updated and the result Phoenix needed was ideally a Royal Greenwich win over Kingfisher. The result that came through - Royal Greenwich 1 Kingfisher 0. Phoenix were now a point clear of Royal Greenwich who have played all their games, and 2 clear of Kingfisher who have one game left. Promotion was now assured but could they finish in style and take the title?......
The final weekend sees Phoenix go to 8th placed Meridian White and Kingfisher away to bottom of the table Cray Sharks, who incidentally won their first game this weekend. Phoenix only need a point to secure the title. Even if they lose, Kingfisher would need to turn around an 8 goal difference to see them steal the crown.
One more push.....COME ON YOU LIONS!
