After getting over their League Cup defeat to AFC All Stars with all that ensued, Lions bounced back last weekend with their third league victory on the bounce against Hayden. They had another chance this week to continue their good league form against Ebbsfleet.
The weather was overcast but not as cold as it had been in previous weeks.
Kick Off
Henry was still unavailable and Jai ill but new signing Harry was available so it was a squad of 11 to choose from. Phoenix lined up with Tom in goal, in front of him a new look back 3 of Euan, Harry and James - who moved from left midfield to left back. In front of them George and Ben, with Charlie (swapping with James and moving into midfield) and Jack providing the width. Cameron would take up the lone striker position this week. Josh and Oscar would be on the bench waiting to join the action.
It was a solid start from Ebbsfleet as they moved the ball around well on a sticky pitch and Phoenix struggled to settle into any sort of rhythm.
It was Ebbsfleet who struck first with a good strike past Tom to make it 0-1. The Lions were unable to make any sort of impact and it was soon 0-2 after another good move from Ebbsfleet. It looked as though it could be a long afternoon for Phoenix.
However, the Lions suddenly found some rhythm and started passing the ball around well. A great ball through from Charlie to Cameron saw him slot home to make it 1-2.
With their tails up, they played another ball through which Jack latched onto and coolly slotted home from distance with a superb finish to make it 2-2.
It was now Phoenix in the ascendency and looking to take the game to Ebbsfleet. An innocuous ball through the middle looked to be covered by the Phoenix defence and should have been easily cleared but the Ebbsfleet striker didn’t let them settle and forced the error to steal in and make it 2-3. Harsh on Phoenix after getting themselves back into the game.
It was to get worse shortly after as the Ebbsfleet number 8 got the ball and went into the middle unchallenged. He then unleashed a superb shot from distance which flew into the net to make it 2-4.
Phoenix managed to hold on until half time but it looked as though it would be a struggle for them to get anything from the game.
Half Time – Phoenix Sports Lions 2 Ebbsfleet United 4
Just after half time, Josh came on for James and did well with some excellent blocks to stop Ebbsfleet going further ahead.
Phoenix just couldn’t get any space or time and their passing was amiss. Unlike in training when they smash into each other, they were also failing to put in any tackles and the tricky Ebbsfleet players were causing all sorts of problems.
Oscar came on for Jack but never really got a chance to influence the game.
Ebbsfleet looked to have put the game to bed after going further ahead. After hitting the bar, then the post they worked an excellent goal to make it 2-5.
Charlie then scored an excellent goal after taking the ball in his stride in his own half, running at the Ebbsfleet defence and striking a sweet shot into the top left hand corner for 3-5.
Despite this momentary relief, Ebbsfleet soon piled more misery on Phoenix with another well worked goal which should have been avoided but yet again, poor defending and tackling virtually allowed Ebbsfleet to walk the ball in for 3-6.
Full Time – Phoenix Sports Lions 3 Ebbsfleet United 6
A poor all round performance from the Lions and some things that Jason and Martyn will need to talk to the boys about and try to address in training.
The defeat leaves Phoenix near the bottom of Selkent B East, just above Hayden. However, they have still only played 7 games compared to the rest of the league who are all in double figures and they have yet to play 2 of the teams at all.
With no more cup games to play, they should get a chance to bounce back in the league next weekend – weather permitting.
Come on you Lions!
