After the disapointment of last weeks defeat, Phoenix Lions were looking to make amends in their first home league game of the season. After moving to 9-a-side, the new home pitch was to be Mayplace School across the road from Phoenix with Junior Reds Sabres the opponents.
Kick Off
From the start, Phoenix looked in good shape. They were passing the ball well and looked untroubled. Sabres struggled to get past the solid defensive backline of Charlie Hanmore, Jai Carter and Euan Corbett-Smith for the Lions.
However, after bossing the early exchanges, the ball fell to the big Sabres striker who started to run at the Lions defence. Phoenix backed off instead of making a tackle or what tackles were made were weak and the striker managed to find himself with only Josh in goal to beat. He didn't waste the opportunity and slotted into the corner and give Sabres the lead. Lions 0 Sabres 1
Phoenix continued to play their football and good pressure led to a corner. Swung in from the right hand side, Sabres didn't clear and Oscar Hart poked home via a deflection for his first goal in the Phoenix green. Lions 1 Sabres 1
With their tails now up having got back into the game, the Lions then took the lead. Another corner, more poor defending from Sabres and Jack Whitman found himself with time to finish neatly. Lions 2 Sabres 1
Jack was playing well in the lone striker role, supported from wide by James Ash and Archie Roast who had been given instructions to get crosses in early. A neat turn and roll away from the defender saw him almost through on goal but unable to finish.
In true Lions fashin though, instead of doing the simple things, they made it hard for themselves by backing off and trying to play intricate football between the back 3 and keeper. A poor clearance fell straight to the Sabres striker who took the chance for his second of the game. Lions 2 Sabres 2
With the first half drawing to a close, the Lions attacked again and regained the lead with another neat finish from Jack Whitman - his second of the match. Lions 3 Sabres 2
Sabres weren't done though and were awarded a free kick outside the Phoenix box. The Sabres midfielder struck a powerful shot which looked goal bound until Josh Anderson made a fantastic save onto the bar and out of play to safety.
Half Time - Phoenix Lions 3 Junior Reds Sabres 2
The half time break seemed to disrupt the Lions and sap their energy. In almost an exact replica of the previous week, Sabres immediately sensed a chance to get back in the game. They were now first to every ball and solid in the tackle.
After a sustained spell of pressure, they deservedly drew level aided by more poor tackling as the big centre midfielder ran and shot past Josh in goal. Lions 3 Sabres 3.
The game had now become very scrappy with Phoenix clinging on and giving away needless free kicks which Sabres were unable to convert. There were also stoppages for injuries.
A couple of break aways saw James Ash run half the length of the pitch and he was unlucky not to score, Henry Powell also went close.
But neither side could fashion a winner and the referee blew his whistle for the end of the game.
Full Time - Phoenix Lions 3 Junior Reds Sabres 3
A fair result. Phoenix will be happy with their first half performance, playing some great football and using the flanks well, but concerned that for the second week in a row they tired and let the opposition back in the game whilst giving away sloppy goals.
Work to do for coaches Jason Ash and Martyn Whitman who will work on a combination of fitness and football training in the coming weeks.
Looks like two weeks of cup matches coming up so a break from league action.
Come on you Lions!
