The two teams from the Pyle Cock pub faced each other today in an enthralling friendly game that saw plenty of goals on a pitch that turned into a mud bath. Both teams are at the wrong end of their tables, although phoenix fairing slightly better as Pyle Cock F.C. are yet to score a point.
Phoenix used the game to experiment due to the potential loss of players. John Allen came in at RB. Daz went from the left back to centrre back with Nippa and Dan went to Left back.Bale came in at LM whilst Gibson was moved forward into CM with Chris Parkes. Rich Booth at RM. Chris Booth came in as an attacking Midfielder playing just behind Adam.
Phoenix started brightly and inside 5 minutes had too decent chances but neither made the keeper really work. After 10 minutes of people running around the pitch was really getting worse. Players were finding it difficult to pass the ball or even run without slipping. At times the ball would get stuck in a puddle but the game continued.
Whether it was because of these conditions Phoenix began to struggle and were soon on the back foot. Pyle cock began to see more of the ball and were dominating the centre of midfield, with Gibson seemingly struggling in that central role. Pyle Cock got their reward. A through ball split the defence and attaker put the ball away nicely to give them the lead.
Soon after they could of gone further ahead but 2 great save from Ade prevented that from happening, both times at full stretch to put the ball behind for a corner.
Phoenix got there act together though. Adam was moved to the right wing pushing Rich Booth into the centre and Gibson was pushed up front. This paid dividends. Chris Booth picked up the ball and spotted the run of Rich booth. Nobody closed him down and his shot squirmed under the body of the keeper and Phoenix were back in it at 1-1.
Phoenix pushed on from here and Gibson seemed to be enjoying his new role. Adam made a run ahead of him. His through ball put Adam in but on the tricky surface he just couldnt get his balance and his shot was saved. It was too long before the game got its 3rd goal. Gibson and Adam were linking up well and Adam through ball was met by Gibson. From the edge of the area he hit is with the outside of his right foot and it curled into the corner giving the keeper no chance and claiming his first goal for the club.
phoenix had further chances. bale was put through by Gibson but his shot/cross was drifted well wide of the goal, when he could have taken it closer. Bale then played Gibson through down the left and Phoenix found themselves 3 on one. Gibson played the ball accross the box but was probably too heavy and it forced Adam wider than he would of like. Adam cross back in went behind for a goal kick. Half time came and the score was 2-1.
Alex replaced Bale at half time and looked very lively down the left wing. Phoenix had started the half well and were looking the far more likely to score. Attacking down the centre was a no go for Phoenix as the ball just kept getting caught up in the mud.
Alex was put through by Gibson. he got past the defender but his shot was closed down quickly and Phoenix awarded a corner but nothing came from it. More chances went begging for Phoenix.
Phoenix went to sleep for 5 minutes though and they let Pyle Cock back in. Ade did well to save the first shot but with only their attacker following in he was given no chance with the second attempt and the scores were level at 2-2.
Phoenix rallied and got a bit of luck when a pass from one of the Pyle cock defenders didnt reach its man due to the mud. Gibson got there first and lobbed the advancing keeper watching the ball drop into the empty net to make it 3-2.
Phoenix then seemingly put the game to bed when a run by Alex saw Adam get onto the end of if to slot the ball home at the near post. However Pyle cock would be given a life line when a cross into the Phoenix area was headed into the net by Daz. The own goal made the score 4-3.
There would be no come back however with Phoenix coming out on top to take home the bragging rights.
