Lucas Finishing Tip of Classy Phoenix Iceberg

Ultramarine 1 Gower Phoenix 3

Gower Phoenix (4-4-2) Greg – Dens, Wall, Wrighty, Miles – Sumner, Muffdog, Jake, Lucas – Fleshie, Hanna

A dynamic Phoenix display was rewarded by a convincing win at the Westway on Sunday afternoon.

Gower welcomed back two stalwarts to the starting eleven. Jono Summer took up position on the left and Adam Lucas played right mid. Phoenix, as is their want, started slow, a misplaced pass and defensive mix-up let in a Ultramarine striker in the first few minutes but under pressure from the out-rushing Greg he shot wide. This was a wake up call and the Phoenix began to get a grip on the game with Muffdog and Jake cleaning up the midfield and spreading quick ball to the clever Phoenix wingers.

Jon Hanna had a few scuffed shots and perhaps was trying to hard to score the perfect goal. Fleshie’s movement was spreading the opposition’s defence and allowing the clever passing of Sumner in particular to cause problems. Eventually the opening goal came, good work on the left saw Sumner cross and Lucas to rush in to bundle the ball over the line 1-0 Phoenix.

Second half saw another slow start with another defensive error allowing Ultramarine to outnumber out defenders and slot home to make it a slightly unjust 1-1. Phoenix character showed as Lucas struck back instantly after good work from Jake and Miles put the winger through to finish with aplomb. 2-1 Phoenix.

Phoenix then turned on the style and played perhaps the best 20 minutes in their history. Bolu and Hanna were running rings around the defenders and Muffdog and Jake were showing what real fitness can do when allied with skilful passing and passion. The pressure told, Bolu missed a close range header but then provided the assist for Jon Hanna to score his first of the season 3-1 Phoenix.

Great passing saw lengthy periods of possession. Defensively Alex Wright was winning everything in the air and the Wall made some textbook interceptions. Miles and Dens linked well to their midfielders and both Luke and Ell came close after coming on.

So a solid win for the Phoenix which sees them go top of the league. Early days but parts of this game were a testimony to what we are capable of as a team. Glory days to come!

MOTM: Adam Lucas – The Phoenix man returned with a solid brace and some fine footwork and passing.