After the disappointment of the last couple of weeks where the Lions felt they deserved something from the game, this weeks opponents Halls AFC offered them the opportunity to do just that.
Having beaten them 5-1 earlier in the season, Phoenix were confident but knew that there could be new or different players who didn’t play in the reverse fixture so they would need to be ready.
Full squad this week so Lions lined up in their usual formation with Josh Anderson in goal, Charlie Hanmore, Euan-Corbett Smith and James Ash in front of him, Ben Chesley – captain for the day – in his defensive midfield position flanked by Tom Wray and Archie Roast with Jack Whitman at the head of the diamond and Henry Powell up top. Oscar Hart, George Dennington and Jai Carter were on the bench waiting to join the action.
Kick Off
Right from the off, Phoenix knew they were in a game. Halls looked hungry and well set up. They tried to play the ball out from the back and were first to every ball and chasing down the lost causes.
It paid dividends as a smart move saw the Halls midfielder allowed to run in and be given too much time to shoot. The Lions defence were in retreat and no one closed him down or those that did, turned their backs and allowed the shot to go straight past Josh in goal. The game was barely 5 minutes old. Lions 0 Halls 1.
Phoenix tried to get a foot hold in the game but found it very difficult with Halls leaving 2 right up most of the game waiting for the breakaway and meaning Charlie had to make sure he had his defence was in line and covering the runners.
As the half went on (and the rain and hail came down), Phoenix eventually got themselves into the game and it was Archie who was causing panic among the Halls defence with his tricky runs. Phoenix were now getting the tackles in the playing some good football of their own.
An excellent team move saw Lions deservedly draw level. A neat ball played into Jack who controlled the ball well and unleashed a superb left footed shot into the top right hand corner. Lions 1 Halls 1.
As the half went on, Lions found themselves in the ascendency and were unlucky not to be ahead with chances from Henry, Archie and Jack all narrowly missing.
Half Time – Phoenix Lions 1 Halls AFC 1
Now playing down the slope, Phoenix took control of the game with Halls content to play on the break.
Oscar, now on as a substitute was doing well on the right hand side and was unlucky not to score. Phoenix were keeping a high defensive line and catching any Halls breaks off-side.
More chances came and went but Phoenix were unable to get their noses in front.
As they pushed higher and higher to try and get a goal, the defence – now missing Charlie who had gone off injured - lost its shape for one of the only times in the game and were immediately punished. A ball straight through the middle saw the Halls midfielder take it in his stride and run through on goal. Just as the defence almost caught up, he unleashed a great shot over Josh and into the net. Lions 1 Halls 2.
Lions players and parents were stunned. Apart from the first 5-10 minutes, they had completely bossed the game yet now found themselves behind and running out of time. In true football style, they had been made to pay for missed chances, not for the first time this season.
However, the boys didn’t let their heads go down and took the game back to Halls. James was superb at the back making sure there were no more mistakes and pushing some great balls through but the forwards who were unable to take advantage.
Phoenix managed to force a corner in what could be their best chance to get a leveller. The ball was swung in from the right and in the scramble that ensued, George managed to stick out his right boot and sneak it past the despairing Halls keeper. Lions 2 Halls 2.
Normally Phoenix undoing – poor defending from corners – had come to their rescue this week.
The euphoria of getting level saw Phoenix nearly lose their heads again though as they pushed up once more and let the Halls striker through on goal only to see him hit the post and the ball fall to safety.
There were to be no more chances as the referee blew his whistle to end an entertaining game.
Full Time – Phoenix Lions 2 Halls AFC 2
Mixed emotions for the Lions this week. On the one hand, they will feel disappointment that they should have won the game comfortably given the chances they had. Yet they showed a fighting spirit to get themselves level and at least avoid another undeserved defeat.
2 league matches left to play then – away v Ebbsfleet, currently 2nd in the table and home v Petts Wood.
With the management team of Jason and Martyn laying out their plans for next season already, all the boys (and parents) now know what is expected and will want to prove they are worthy of a starting spot for the next couple of games and indeed next season.
Come on you Lions!
