After a two week break, the new year arrived with the Lions getting back in action with a very early kick off for a Selkent B East league fixture against Halls AFC.
The weather was freezing and given heavy downpours the previous day, it was lucky the game was on but the pitch looked good and so the chance was there for the boys to get off to a good start in 2015 and get some league points on the board against a similarly matched side.
Kick Off
With Oscar Hart falling ill, it was a squad of 11 available this week. Phoenix lined up with Tom in goal, in front of him a back 3 of Jai, Charlie and Euan. In front of them George and Ben, with James and Jack providing the width. Cameron would take up the lone striker position. Henry and Josh would be on the bench waiting to join the action.
It was a solid start from both teams as they got used to the freezing conditions. Both teams were trying to play football but cancelling each other out with some solid defending.
Tom was covering his area well and coming out to meet the ball and setting up several attacks with his excellent distribution. Phoenix were nearly caught a couple of times trying to play the ball out from the back but always managed to recover.
Cameron came close to opening the scoring for Phoenix but the Halls keeper was in good form and kept his shots out.
Half Time – Halls AFC 0 Phoenix Sports Lions 0
At half time, Henry was bought on for Jack and Josh came on for Jai.
It was immediately clear that Henry’s work rate and pace had been missed in the first half as within minutes of coming on, he had a chance to give Phoenix the lead but his shot was easily saved.
However, he wasn’t going to be kept out for long as on the next attack, he went through on goal and his shot was deflected up and over the onrushing keeper and in to give Phoenix the lead. 1-0.
Phoenix were now on the front foot and giving Halls all sorts of problems.
Some neat interplay between George, James and Henry let in Cameron to finish neatly and give Phoenix a 2-0 cushion.
However, after looking solid for most of the game, the Lions defence was unhinged as some good team play saw Halls finish neatly to make it 2-1.
For a few minutes, Phoenix were shaky but gained their composure and regained their advantage as a long ball through saw Henry one on one with the keeper and slot home for 3-1.
Charlie went off injured to be replaced by Jack so Cameron dropped back to sweeper to see the game out.
Henry was determined to get his hat-trick and at times held onto the ball a little too long allowing Halls to clear before he could shoot or set someone up.
There were no further goals and Phoenix were finally off and running in the league.
Full Time – Halls AFC 1 Phoenix Sports Lions 3
A good performance from the Lions despite the conditions and having had 2 weeks off.
It gives the boys something to build on and some confidence that they can compete in the league – they just need to get the games played!
Come on you Lions!
