In a break from the league, Phoenix Lions were in cup action this week with a quarter final against AFC All Stars.
After last weeks much improved display against Dartford Red, the boys were determined to continue to improve their performance and hopefully get a result which would see them through to the semi-finals.
Kick Off
Phoenix set up with 4 at the back again with Charlie Hanmore and George Dennington in the middle with Ben Chesley and James Ash acting as wing backs.
Archie Roast took up his position in the centre of midfield alongside Tom Wray and Oscar Hart with Jack Whitman spear heading the attack.
From the start, both teams tried to play football. The pitch was good considering the weather the previous week and allowed both teams to play a passing game. Both sides were also pressing and tackling at pace, All Stars in particular with some challenges that were a little late but went unpunished by the young referee.
Neither side was giving an inch but it was the footwork of Archie Roast which led to a breakthrough. As he skipped past 2 or 3 defenders before being fouled and earning a free kick. Archie took the free kick himself and his ball into the box was headed on by George Dennington and into the net. 1-0 to Phoenix.
The All Stars players complained that George had fouled their player and their manager also had plenty to say – a sign of things to come for the rest of the afternoon.
Shortly afterwards, All Stars were level as they found space after some good passing and slotted past Josh Anderson in goal. 1-1.
No further chances in the half as both teams cancelled each other out.
Half Time – Phoenix Lions 1 AFC All Stars 1
At half time an All Stars coach was seen talking to the referee and assistant manager Martyn Whitman having to join the discussion.
The second half carried on as the first half ended.
Both teams trying to play football but All Stars being a little bit more aggressive, sometimes too much so.
Phoenix got on with the game but when they did tackle back, the All Star players and manager were in the ear of the referee every time. At one stage the manager even asked the referee to stop the game so he could speak to him for a minute about the linesman. They were clearly used to winning and didn’t like it when they came up a team who could match them.
The actions of the All Stars manager was a disgrace and only served to fire up the Phoenix parents who encouraged the boys on and also the management team of Jason and Martyn who had the All Stars manager constantly in walking front of them, barking out orders, claiming every decision and being on at the referee.
Chances came and went for both sides to win the game in normal time. All Stars twice denied by unfortunate bobbles in the box. Archie Roast and Jack Whitman denied by the All Stars keeper.
No further breakthrough came so the game would go to extra time.
Full Time (60 mins) – Phoenix Lions 1 AFC All Stars 1
As extra time started, AFC made the early chances and the stoppage seemed to have done Phoenix no favours.
A good move from All Stars early in the first period of extra time saw them cut through and find the net to take the lead. 1-2.
Phoenix would have to find a way back into the game but All Stars were defending resolutely dropping a midfielder back and with their keeper having a great game.
Into the second period and both keepers again making great saves to keep their teams in the match. As the clock ticked down, Phoenix pushed up and risked getting caught on the break but Archie and Euan were unlucky not to find the net.
The referee blew his whistle and the Lions cup dream was over for another year.
After Extra Time – Phoenix Lions 1 AFC All Stars 2
A real shame for the Lions who matched another good team all over the pitch but yet again found themselves on the losing side. However, if they can keep up the passion and energy of the last two weeks, they will get a more deserving positive result soon.
Come on you Lions!
