The sun was shining in Dudley as two teams took centre stage on a cold afternoon in an enthralling encounter. Phoenix had waited patiently to avenge a 3-1 defeat back in November whilst Warley were the form team with an impressive 10 wins in 12.
Warley started slowly and found it difficult to succumb a Phoenix side that was positive in their approach and focused with intent. It wasn’t long before they took control of the half. On 4 minutes they hit a post from the edge of the 18 yard box after Warley failed to close the attacker down. On 9 minutes the deadlock was broken as strong play from the right wing found a Phoenix foot that duly slotted the ball home from 12 yards. Phoenix YE 1 Warley 0. Warley continued to ride the Phoenix offensive but on 14 minutes another cross from the right ended with a shot and goal to make it Phoenix YE 2 Warley 0. Warley heads were reeling again as they found it extremely difficult to pose any threat up front. Frustration became a part of play and a Phoenix free kick from 24 yards out took a wicked deflection from the bumpy pitch to divert the ball into the back of the Warley net and end the half’s scoring Phoenix YE 3 Warley 0
The half time team talk focused on winning the midfield battles and supplying the attackers who were starved of any first half service. Instructions were given to win the battle for midfield and the 50 50 balls that were being won by Phoenix.
3-0 down and outplayed in the first half the Warley boys took to the field with renewed optimism and fight. They contained and threatened Phoenix far more than their first half performance. Unfortunately it was Phoenix that increased their lead on 46 minutes when a far post corner was headed back into the six yard box and met with another Phoenix head to make the score Phoenix YE 4 Warley 0. Warley to their credit found the back of the net on 63 minutes when a long free kick from Colm found Sam S. whose exquisite lob found the back of the net and end the scoring at Phoenix YE 4 Warley 1.
Too many passengers on the Warley bus today. The focus and discipline went missing at times and we looked a shadow of the team we are. Next week we play Phoenix again in the semi final of the cup and the emphasis must be on getting back to winning ways.
