After a superb victory and performance last weekend against Real Gima, the Lions were in buoyant mood going into the game against Halls AFC.
They had already beaten Halls earlier in the season so hopes were high for another victory to get some more points on the board. However, such is the Jekyll and Hyde nature of this Lions team we would have to wait and see what version would turn up this week.
Kick Off
With Josh and Bailey signed before the transfer deadline, it was a full squad of 14 to choose from and the first of many weeks ahead where the managerial team of Jason and Martyn would have their work cut out trying to find a winning combination. Given last weeks impressive showing, they decided to stick with the same line up that started the game last week - Tom in goal, in front of him Captain and Sweeper Charlie, in front of him Jai, Harry and Euan. Ben would hold the middle with James and Cameron providing support and Jack would take up the lone striker position this week. Henry, George, Oscar, Josh and Bailey would be on the bench waiting to join the action.
Playing at Penhill Park for the first time, the pitch was sticky in the middle and not much better than Mayplace School. The weather was very windy so conditions would be difficult but it would be the same for both teams.
It was a fairly even game early on with Phoenix playing with the wind behind them but they were unable to take advantage. On 15 mins it was Halls who made the breakthrough. Their tricky winger escaped down the left and the defence got pulled across to cut out the threat. However that left the Halls striker all alone in the middle to slot past Tom. 1-0
Phoenix tied to get themselves back into the game but Jack, Cameron and James were well shackled and the Phoenix passing was awry.
Euan went off injured and George came on in his place.
Despite playing against the wind, Halls seemed to be able to cope better and were playing by far the better football. Everything Phoenix did right the previous week, they did not repeat against Halls.
Halls held firm and knew that in the second half they would have the wind behind them.
Half Time – Phoenix Sports Lions 0 Halls AFC 1
Shortly after half time, it was same story as Halls got through again and despite a great save from Tom, no one followed in the rebound and Phoenix found themselves 0-2 down.
Jason rang the changes and on came Oscar, Josh, Bailey and Henry for Jai, James, Cameron and Jack.
Despite the changes, Phoenix still couldn’t get into the game or impose themselves for any length of time.
Henry chased down everything he could but support was lacking. It was only when Cameron was sent back on for Harry and the team switched to their more familiar 3 at the back did things start to change. Ben now had support in midfield after having previously been over-run.
However, it was to get better before it got worse as Halls made it 0-3 despite Tom’s best efforts again.
Again neat play from Halls allowed their striker a clean run at Tom and he slipped the ball past the onrushing keeper.
Henry – back after his enforced absence – then gave the scoreline some respectability as he raced through and slotted home to make it 1-3.
But it was too little, too late for Phoenix and they were subjected to yet another league defeat.
Full Time – Phoenix Sports Lions 1 Halls AFC 3
Not only a disappointing result but also a disappointing performance from the Lions with very few positives to take away from the game. To give an idea of the roller coaster of the season, in their 9 league games to date it has been either win or bust with 4 wins, 5 defeats and not a single draw in sight. In the last 6 games including 1 cup game their record has been W L W L W L. There appears to be no consistency at all.
It is up to the boys now to try and put a run of results together in the league.
Come on you Lions!
