As the weather turned for the better, Phoenix Lions travelled to Wrotham in Sevenoaks to play Ebbsfleet White in the Selkent league. Ebbsfleet were lying second in the table and beat the Lions 2-5 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season so the Lions knew it would be a tough game.
Could the Lions show some fight and give all the watching Mums a Mothers Day treat?
The match was to be played on a 3G artificial surface – a first for the Lions – but a surface they are familiar with having trained on it all season on a Wednesday night.
Kick Off
In a twist to the usual line up, Tom Wray asked if he could go in goal this week so he took the shirt and gloves from regular keeper Josh Anderson, with Josh taking a place on the bench initially. Euan Corbett-Smith, Charlie Hanmore and James Ash made up the defence in front of Tom protected by George Dennington and Ben Chesley. Out wide were Archie Roast and Jack Whitman in support of lone striker Henry Powell. Jai Carter was absent this week.
From the start, Phoenix looked up for it. They got used to the pitch almost immediately and were able to play some lovely football. Assistant Manager Martyn Whitman was shouting out orders from the touchline in an attempt to make sure all the Lions were on their toes. Ebbsfleet were looking rushed and unable to make any impact on the game.
Some good play saw chances for Jack Whitman and Henry Powell but they were unable to take them.
Tom Wray in goal barely touched the ball as the back 3 and defensive midfield 2 broke up play and laid passes on for the wide players who stretched the play well.
When Ebbsfleet did break through, their passes were over hit or they were met by great tackles from Euan, Charlie and James. The Ebbsfleet attackers became increasingly frustrated, claiming for every decision and moaning to the referee – who was having a great game and showed that experience counts for everything as he constantly talked to the boys and explained his decisions.
Eventually Phoenix got the breakthrough they fully deserved. Some great play across the middle saw a ball played out wide to Jack who took the ball in his stride, held of his marker and slotted home into the bottom right hand corner. Another accomplished finish from Jack. Ebbsfleet 0 Phoenix 1.
Shortly before half time, Ebbsfleet had a chance to draw level but the defence held firm and Tom Wray eventually gathered the ball.
Half Time – Ebbsfleet White 0 Phoenix Lions 1
At half time Ben went off and Josh Anderson came on in defence, a position he plays in for his school. James Ash was pushed up into midfield. Oscar Hart also came on for Henry Powell who had run himself into the ground in the first half.
The break and change of line up seemed to momentarily disrupt the Lions as Ebbsfleet came back into the game a little bit.
They managed to fashion a chance which saw their striker running through on goal. Charlie went across to cut out the chance and shouldered into the back of the Ebbsfleet striker who went down. The referee pointed for a foul but he wasn’t sure if it was in the area or not. The pitch was not properly marked and so it was very difficult to see. The linesman said it was just outside and the ref gave a direct free kick much to the disgust of the Ebbsfleet striker who threw his arms up in dismay.
With Jason and Martyn still organising and cajoling the players, Phoenix then got back their grip on the game and went for a second which would surely see them home and dry. Henry was back on and chasing down every lost cause. George had gone to right back to cover for Euan who had run himself into the ground.
It was Archie and Jack who combined to provide Henry with a chance to get the all important second goal they deserved. Archie, who had been on the ball all afternoon, played a slide rule pass out to Jack on the right. Jack took his player on and got to the touchline. Henry – who had been offside a few times – timed his run to perfection on this occasion and had the speed to get into the box as Jack crossed it in to dispatch the shot for his 21st goal of the season. Ebbsfleet 0 Phoenix 2.
Now it was down to the whole team to see the game out and the defence were determined to keep a clean sheet, something they had not managed in the league all season.
James had a couple of late chances to add to the tally but it wasn’t to be.
The referee blew his whistle and the Lions had secured an excellent victory.
Full Time – Ebbsfleet White 0 Phoenix Lions 2
Given the opposition were 2nd in the league before the game with the second best defence in the league, it was a great performance from the Lions and the perfect gift to all the watching Mums on Mothers Day. A really good all round team display.
It showed that they can compete with any team in the league if they want it enough and will give them good confidence to finish the season in style.
One league game left against Petts Wood and then a few Silver Shield games before another topsy turvy season comes to an end with the Butlins tour in May.
Come on you Lions!!
