After last weeks disappointing performance against Halls AFC, the Lions were hoping for a fixture that would allow them to get back on track this week. However, the people at Selkent had other ideas and pitched them against top of the table and unbeaten Junior Reds Sabres.
Despite the prospect, Phoenix had trained well including an 11-a-side 6-5 friendly victory against arch rivals Welling Wanderers – unbeaten this year – on Saturday.
So they came into the game thinking they could give Sabres a game and maybe take another unbeaten record. It would all depend what Lions team turned up as we all know how inconsistent they can be.
Kick Off
With Cameron ill and Jai injured, it was a squad of 12 to choose from. Jason and Martyn went with Tom in goal, in front of him Captain and Sweeper Charlie, with Euan and Oscar in the full back positions. Ben would hold the middle with George and James and providing support out wide. Henry would take up the lone striker position this week. Harry, Josh and Bailey would be on the bench waiting to join the action.
Playing at Penhill Park again – but on the better pitch 1 - the weather was positively spring like.
Sabres looked a big strong physical side but Phoenix matched them early on in what was a fairly even first 15 minutes. Charlie, Oscar and Euan with Tom quick off his line, were making some superb tackles and clearing the danger well despite the size and pace of the Sabres forwards – something that might have undone them in the past.
However, after about 20 mins the first piece of bad defending from Phoenix was duly punished. A cross from the left hand side was not cleared and in the melee that followed the ball fell kindly to the Sabres forward who gave Tom no chance and put his side in front. 0-1.
Phoenix tied to get themselves back into the game but Henry was getting no change from the Sabres defenders – particular their centre back who we have seen many times before and gives absolutely nothing away. Jack and James were also kept out of the game. Ben and George were unable to support them as they were kept busy trying not to give anything away.
Half Time – Junior Reds Sabres 1 Phoenix Lions 0
At half time, Jason swapped Jack for Bailey and got Bailey and James to swap wings. Bailey did well and gave the Sabres defenders something to think about.
But Sabres had plenty of options of their own and could swap one big tall strong striker for another with no weakness. They got through more times than in the first half but each time was met with superb saves from Tom ‘The Cat’ Wray who made a string of superb saves to keep the score at 0-1.
Jason then changed Oscar for Harry and George for Josh. Charlie would move out to left back to try and get forward more.
But within minutes of making the changes, a ball through the middle saw one of the Sabres strikers through and he finished well on the half volley to make it 0-2.
Henry chased down everything he could but there were a number of long balls forward and it was a mis-match in the air against the Sabres defence.
Despite no lack of effort, Phoenix did not give the Sabres keeper one save to make and it is no surprise to lean that they have the best defensive record out of all the Selkent U12 divisions.
With a few minutes to go, Sabres were looking to get in on the right hand side and a 50/50 between Charlie and the Sabres striker ended with Charlie on the floor having fallen on his arm and in a lot of pain.
It was the last action of the game and the referee – who had been excellent throughout – blew for full time.
Full Time – Junior Reds Sabres 2 Phoenix Sports Lions 0
A disappointing result but a far better performance from the Lions than last week. Despite not having a shot on goal, they at least competed and didn’t allow themselves to be bullied or out muscled in midfield or defence.
They remain second bottom in the league but have played the top team twice now and still have to play bottom placed Hayden again, South Darenth twice, Parkwood – who look to be in the slide – and Highway so there are plenty of points to be won yet. Sabres themselves said the Lions were in a false position given they have played the least games in the league and it has also been said by them (and by Welling Wanderers the day before) that Selkent B East is by far the toughest of the 4 B Leagues.
However, it is up to the boys to try and make sure they get the league points they deserve in the remaining games and that they get themselves up the table. But they will need to battle like they did today and play football like they know they can.
Come on you Lions!
