After a good pre-season, Phoenix Lions felt confident going into their first league game as the new season began. Opponents were Parkwood Rockets who had been relegated from A division last season so would prove to be tough opposition.
Archie Roast has decided to move onto pastures new so whilst the team adjusts to his absence and looks to recruit new players, they would take up a new look formation. Tom Wray has decided to try his hand in goal so Josh Anderson has moved into defence alongside Euan Corbett-Smith and resident sweeper Charlie Hanmore. Midfield would be Ben Chesley protecting the back 4 with George Dennington given more licence to roam. Out wide Jack Whitman and James Ash with Henry Powell up front. Oscar Hart and Jai Carter would be on the bench.
Kick Off
As the match kicked off, the Parkwood team gave the ball to their big number 14 who decided to waltz through the whole Phoenix team and past Tom in goal to score within 30 seconds of the kick off. 0-1.
As the Lions tried to come to terms with what had happened, they were hit with a second hammer blow which was almost a replica of the first. Phoenix hadn’t learned their lesson and allowed the number 14 to virtually walk past them unchallenged and make it 0-2.
After re-grouping, Phoenix slowly got hold of the ball better and started to make things happen for themselves. James Ash looked most dangerous getting out wide on the left and beating the Parkwood defence. After a great run and cross, Phoenix came close to getting back in the game and had a good chance saved off the line.
Midway through the first half, a soft foul was given away and Parkwood lined up on the edge of the Phoenix box for the free kick. As the ball was floated in, a lack of communication saw Tom Wray come for the ball but not get it and Ben Chesley head past the onrushing keeper and into his own net. 0-3.
Phoenix tried in vain to get back into the game before half time but were unable to do so.
Half Time – Parkwood Rockets 3 Phoenix Lions 0
After a stern half time team talk and after Parkwood had taken off their number 14 who had been terrorising the defence, Phoenix did well and created a few chances but were unable to convert any.
Just as it seemed they had steadied the ship, Parkwood stole away with a good move to make it 0-4.
As Phoenix grew more and more frustrated, Parkwood looked more solid and were stronger in the tackle.
Henry was his usual busy self up front and one of the Parkwood defenders took offence to a Henry challenge and decided to retaliate with some verbal abuse. Henry stuck up for himself, but then the Parkwood keeper came and needlessly got involved pushing Henry away. After he pushed back, the keeper threw a punch at which point Henry again defended himself. The referee stepped in and Parkwood management team came across to remonstrate.
The Parkwood management team seemed oblivious to the fact their keeper had thrown the first punch and wanted Henry sent off so to calm the situation down, Jason decided to substitute Henry instead. Oscar Hart came on with Jack moving up front.
It was an unsavoury incident that only heightened the frustration from Phoenix at some of the poor refereeing decisions they felt had gone against them. The situation wasn’t helped by a Parkwood parent who consistently stood in front of the Phoenix supporters who it later turns out he was part of the Parkwood coaching team but bore no official badges/colours and failed to declare this point when challenged by the Phoenix supporters.
Shortly afterwards, Charlie injured his knee and also came off to be replaced by Jai Carter.
Both substitutes did well and Phoenix again had a good spell where they were unlucky not to score.
As the game was coming to an end, Parkwood had one last attack and won a penalty which they converted to make it 0-5.
Full Time – Parkwood Rockets 5 Phoenix Lions 0
Not a great start to the season but it was unfortunate that we started against a team recently relegated from A division and with a point to prove. Parkwood were not 5 goals better than Phoenix but had one player who made a massive difference, virtually winning the game on his own. Something Phoenix will need to learn how to deal with better. They will also need to be stronger and match like for like when the going gets tough otherwise it will be a long season ahead.
Back to training on Wednesday to work on what went wrong and where they can improve before another league match next weekend when they will hope to bounce back.
With a new signing - Cameron - on the horizon and knowing they will not face A division teams every week, the old saying is that things can only get better. Come on you Lions!
