After the fiasco of last weeks cup match at Welling Utd, Phoenix Lions were back in League action against second from bottom Hayden Hornets. It looked on paper like a chance for Phoenix to get a victory against a team who had played 4 and lost 4 of their league games so far but Hayden had played all 4 top teams and looked a big strong side in the warm up.
Kick Off
Phoenix started well and were quick out of the blocks. Some good early passing moves were put together despite the bobbly pitch. Excellent footwork between George Dennington and captain for the day, Henry Powell led to the first goal of the game after just 5 minutes. George and Henry played a quick one-two and Henry found himself with enough space to poke home a neat finish. 1-0.
More good play from Phoenix led to some good chances for Henry and Archie Roast but they either didn't hit the target or were unable to find a way past the excellent Hayden keeper. Tom Wray and James Ash were excellent in wide positions but were also unable to make inroads.
The longer the half went on, the greater Hayden grew in confidence and several times they broke quickly but the defence of Euan Corbett-Smith, Ben Chelsey and Jai Carter stood firm.
The introduction of Charlie Hanmore, Oscar Hart and Jack Whitman gave Phoenix fresh legs and a fresh impetus. Both Oscar and Jack had good chances to make it two but again were unable to make the chances count.
The second did eventually come after some good work out on the right from Charlie who slid Jack in with a neat reverse pass and this time a slide rule left foot finish inside the post saw the Hayden keeper beaten. 2-0
Half Time - Phoenix Lions 2 Hayden Hornets 0
After the break, it was a similar story. Some excellent football from Phoenix coupled with some solid defending from Hayden and more excellent saves from their keeper. Hayden were quick on the break though and had a few chances of their own which were saved superbly by Josh Anderson in the Phoenix goal.
Phoenix were eventually caught out when they tried to play the ball out from the back, as they had done most of the game, but gave it away too easily on this occasion. The Hayden midfielder hit a powerful low shot from distance which clipped the post and went in. 2-1.
Now feeling nervous and with Haydens tails up, Phoenix knew they would have to score again to secure the victory. More excellent play from Henry Powell saw Jack Whitman played in and this time he took the chance with his right foot to make it 3-1.
Phoenix then stood firm for the final few minutes and saw the game out and take the points.
Full Time - Phoenix Lions 3 Hayden Hornets 1
An excellent game, very competitive but fair. After a few weeks of controversy seeming to follow them around - quite unfairly in most cases particularly at Dartford and Welling - it made a nice change.
The win sees Phoenix move up to 5th in B East but they have played most of the teams below them and have some tough tests to come. Dartford Red next week according the Selkent who have won 8 out of 8 so far and will come in celebratory mood having already won the league and looking for the perfect record.
Can Lions beat the odds and rise to the challenge? Work to do in training for manager Jason Ash and his assistant Martyn Whitman to get the boys ready.
Come on you Lions!
