Phoenix Lions were in London Cup First Round action this week against Orpington Rovers Lions from the Tandridge League B division.
It was a bright warm morning and a lovely wide open pitch for the boys to play football on. Phoenix were coming into the game after the disappointment of their league cup match being cancelled the previous week but a morale boosting 10-1 friendly win the day before.
Jai and Ben were both injured so would sit out the game but both were there to support their team mates.
Kick Off
Phoenix lined up with Tom in goal, a back 3 of Euan, Charlie and Josh, protecting them was George with Cameron in front of him in the diamond. Jack and James would provide the width with Henry taking up his usual position up front.
From the kick off it was clear both teams liked to play football. Some neat passing moves were interchanged as both sides looked for an opening in an evenly contested opening.
It was Orpington who created the early chances working their right hand side well and giving James/Josh some work to do. It was from this side that the first goal came. A through ball down the channel caught Phoenix sleeping and the winger was through, his cross was met by an oncoming Orpington midfielder but his shot was saved by Tom only to fall to another Orpington player to net the rebound. 0-1.
Despite going a goal down, Phoenix continued to play their game and push for an equaliser. James and Jack were struggling to offer any width so it came down to Cameron and Henry – who chased every single lost cause – to find a way through the middle.
The equaliser came midway through the first half as Henry pressured the defender to make a poor back pass which he intercepted and got to the ball before the Orpington keeper to make it 1-1. It was no more than Phoenix deserved.
It stayed that way until half time as both teams took a well earned break.
Half Time – Orpington Rovers Lions 1 Phoenix Sports Lions 1
During the half time team talk, Jason and Martyn encouraged the boys the keep playing football and the match was there for the taking. Oscar would come on to replace Jack for start of the 2nd half.
Shortly after half time, Phoenix won a corner which was floated to the back post where Charlie came steaming in with a late run to plant his header neatly into the corner. A rare goal for the sweeper. 2-1.
Phoenix gained in confidence from taking the lead and from there had a real purple patch for 10-15 minutes which totally destroyed the Orpington resolve.
First some superb interplay from the back through to Cameron and then onto Oscar who had time to line up his shot and finish neatly in the top corner. 3-1.
More good play down the right hand side then saw a long cross fall on the edge of the box to an unmarked captain James who simply placed his half-volleyed shot with his deadly left foot into the bottom corner to make it 4-1. He just doesn’t miss from there!
As the Orpington heads fell, Henry, as effervescent as ever, was still chasing down everything like a terrier and created space for Oscar again. His shot hit the bar but Henry had followed the play and got his reward with a tap in for number 5.
Full Time – Orpington Rovers Lions 1 Phoenix Sports Lions 5
An excellent and morale boosting cup victory for Phoenix Lions after a frustrating couple of weeks. Tougher tests will come in the league and cups but for now they can enjoy the victory but more importantly the way they kept their shape, organised themselves and played some great football.
Second round of the London Cup will see Phoenix play Long Lane Tigers on Sunday 2nd November.
They will be in League Cup action this coming weekend – Sunday 12th October - against YFC Vista from Selkent B West so will be another interesting match up.
Come on you Phoenix!
