After last weekend’s postponement, Phoenix Lions were in London Cup 3rd round action this week against Bromley from the Kent Youth League A Division.
With the match being played on a 3G surface, there was no chance of a postponement this week but it was cold and foggy as the boys arrived at the venue.
Kick Off
With main striker Henry Powell falling ill and attacking midfielder Cameron also being absent, it was a squad of 10 available this week so manager Jason would need to reshuffle the pack. Phoenix lined up with Tom in goal, in front of him a back 3 of Josh, Charlie and Euan. In front of them George and Ben, with James and Oscar providing the width. Jack would take up the lone striker position. Jai would be on the bench waiting to join the action.
From the start it was clear that Bromley were used to the pitch and played at a good level. They were first to the ball all over the pitch and their passing and control was sure. They closed the ball down and played at speed. They didn’t appear to have any stand out individuals but a very good, disciplined team.
Phoenix in contrast could not seem to string 2 passes together and every time the ball fell to a green shirt, they couldn’t control the ball or over-ran it.
A few early Bromley attacks came to nothing though and the defence and Tom in goal seemed in control and able to snuff out any danger.
Slowly but surely Phoenix got more of a grip on the game and started to get to grips with the pitch and Bromley’s style of play. So it was a slight disappointment – although based on the first half overall not unexpected – when Bromley took the lead.
A goalmouth scramble led to a chance for the Bromley striker to slot home and give his side the lead. After working so hard for much of the first half, the defence were annoyed at having conceded such a scrappy goal.
Half Time – Bromley 1 Phoenix Sports Lions 0
At half time, Jai came on for Josh. But unfortunately it was further forward that Phoenix needed the options. Bromley meanwhile had 4 players at their disposal to freshen things up and none of them seemed to weaken their team in any way.
It was Bromley who were still the better side and seemed determined to take advantage of their superiority.
But instead of making them work for their win, Phoenix seemed to lose their heads in a 5 minute spell early in the second half and gifted Bromley 2 quick goals. From being just 0-1 down after 40 minutes it was suddenly 0-3.
After that it was always going to be an uphill struggle and despite the best efforts of those in green, with no options for change and some players starting to struggle with knocks, Bromley scored another 2 without reply to put the game to bed.
Phoenix almost scored a consolation through Charlie Hanmore, who by now had swapped positions with James Ash, and went on a marauding run through the Bromley team only to find his effort stopped on the line by the keeper.
The ref blew for full time and the Lions London Cup adventure was over.
Full Time – Bromley 5 Phoenix Sports Lions 0
A lesson for the Lions in how to play as a team. Phoenix never really got going and only managed to muster a few attacks of any purpose. The team talk afterwards was a frank and honest conversation between players and management about where it had gone wrong and where the boys needed to improve.
Hopefully they will get the chance in a league fixture which should be next up on Sunday 7th December before they travel to face HF Sports Adders from Selkent A league in the third round due to be played 14th December.
Time before the Christmas break for the Lions to try and turn their fortunes around.
Come on you Lions!
