Lions were back in league cup action this week against South Darenth. Having already lost to them in the league, they knew they were in for a tough game but the Lions management team of Jason Ash and Martyn Whitman were confident victory was there for the taking.
Kick Off
Lions tried to play football early in the game but found the going tough on a sticky pitch. Passing moves broke down as the ball got stuck or held up and it interrupted the flow of the game.
As they settled and found their feet, Lions began to create chances. With Darenth playing a high line, the likes of Henry Powell, Archie Roast and Jack Whitman all found themselves through on goal but their finishing was rushed and off target.
James Ash then went on a trademark run down the left and unleashed a fearsome shot, only to see it cannon off the cross bar and over.
The midfield anchors of George Dennington then Ben Chesley were excellent in breaking up play and setting forward moves in motion.
Josh Anderson in goal was a relative spectator as Phoenix tried to make the breakthrough. The defence of Euan Corbett-Smith and Jai Carter marshalled by sweeper and captain for the day Charlie Hanmore were solid, not allowing the Darenth strikers any space.
Their frustration clearly showed as towards the end of the half, after being thwarted yet again, the Darenth striker went into an ugly two footed ankle high challenge on Charlie. He was clearly hurt and the referee spoke to the player but he did not apologise, much to the annoyance of the angry watching Phoenix parents who the incident happened right in front of.
The half finished goalless but Phoenix should have been in front.
Half Time – South Darenth 0 Phoenix Lions 0
At half time, Jason and Martyn told the boys they were on top and just needed to be a bit more composed in front of goal.
The breakthrough came in controversial circumstances. As Phoenix attacked, a low shot came in from the right which the Darenth keeper looked to have got to. However, as he stretched his hands, Henry Powell came sliding in to nick the ball into the net. The Darenth manager was outraged and protested to the referee but his protest was ignored and the goal stood. Darenth 0 Phoenix 1.
After going in front, Phoenix relaxed and continued to play some excellent football.
A second came after some good interplay saw Jack Whitman curl a composed finish into the Darenth net. Darenth 0 Phoenix 2.
As Darenth attacked to try and get back in the game, Phoenix stood firm and some more good play saw Jack slotted in again and this time he proceeded to lob the Darenth keeper from long range to get his second and Phoenix third.
The fourth and final goal came via a neat finish from Oscar Hart who stepped inside a challenge and slotted his finish into the bottom left corner.
Half Time – South Darenth 0 Phoenix Lions 4
A well-deserved victory for the Lions who march into the quarter finals where they will play Halls AFC in February 2014. It was expected to be a re-match with Dartford Red but they were beaten 4-3 by Halls so despite it not being Dartford, will still be a very tough game.
Back to league action next week and the visit of Ebbsfleet White.
Come on Phoenix!
