After another disappointing postponement last week, Phoenix Lions were back in Selkent B East action this week against Highway – a new unknown opponent.
The weather was freezing but the pitch looked good and so the chance was there for the boys to get some more league points on the board.
Kick Off
With a full squad available this week, Phoenix lined up with Tom in goal, in front of him a new look back 3 of Euan, Cameron – in a new sweeper position and Charlie - who moved out to left back. In front of them George and Ben, with James and Jack providing the width. Henry would take up the lone striker position this week. Jai, Josh and Oscar would be on the bench waiting to join the action.
It was a solid start from both teams as they tried to work each other out. Both teams were trying to play football but George and Ben were doing a good job of breaking up the Highway play and trying to spring attacks for James and Jack. Manager Jason had switched sides for the wingers this week and encouraged them to try and cut inside.
The breakthrough came down the middle however as a nice ball through from George put Henry clear through and he slotted home with a neat finish. 1-0.
The new look defence were giving nothing away and looked solid as did the midfield in front of them.
Phoenix sprung another attack and the corner was whipped in by George. Highway failed to clear and Cameron was there to control the ball and smash home his shot. 2-0.
With Phoenix in control but only managing to get joy out wide on a few occasions, James and Jack switched to their normal positions.
This paid immediate dividends as Charlie and James started to terrorise Highway down the left flank. A marauding run and neat one-two between Charlie and James saw Charlie bought down right on the edge of the box. It was a borderline penalty but the ref awarded a free kick.
Cameron came up from the back to take the kick and everyone expected him to shoot. However, Ben was lurking in space on the edge of the box so Cameron laid a neat ball into his path and Ben controlled his shot brilliantly and struck home for a rare goal for the defensive midfielder. 3-0.
Phoenix didn’t want half time but for Highway it couldn’t come soon enough!
Half Time – Highway 0 Phoenix Sports Lions 3
At half time, Jai was bought on for Euan and Oscar came on for Jack.
The changes seemed to disrupt Phoenix a little and allowed Highway back into the game. The words of the Highway manager for his team to be more combative had an immediate effect as they scored with their first attack of the half.
A long range strike went over and above Tom who was off his line not expecting the shot but saw the ball nestle in his net for 3-1.
Phoenix were momentarily stunned but were determined not to let their lead slip and re-grouped well.
The defence restricted Highway to long range shots which Tom saved well and was then able to try and launch some longer balls over the top to Henry who clearly had the beating of the Highway back line for pace. However, several chances came and went his way but he was unable to add to his or the Lions tally.
Josh came on to replace Ben and Charlie moved up to the defensive midfield position. Jack also came back on to replace Henry.
By now Highway had run out of ideas and James went close to extending Phoenix lead but was unable to do so.
Phoenix comfortably saw the game out to secure a few more points and claim only their second league victory of the season.
Full Time – Highway 1 Phoenix Sports Lions 3
Another good performance from the Lions despite having had another week off due to the weather.
The win moves Phoenix off the bottom and above Hayden in the league giving them confidence that they can continue to climb the league and had been in a false position having played less games than every other team in the league.
With 2 back to back league wins under their belt, attention now turns back to the League Cup next weekend when they will take on AFC All Stars from Selkent A league. The Lions have run All Stars close before and can take heart from beating an A league team in the last round but they will all have to be at the very top of their game and ready for a battle.
Come on you Lions!
