Gower Phoenix season report 2007-8 + awards

Following the successes of their inaugural season Phoenix endured a season of ups and downs that ultimately resulted in promotion to the premier league at the first time of asking.

The team started with a bright 3-2 win over Northern which was achieved despite much of the team struggling after Phil’s 30th birthday party the night before. Alex Wright and Treen looked solid at the back and Lucas started scoring right from the off.

Next up Ultramarine were taken to the cleaners 3-1 on Astro down on the Westway. This was one of the most accomplished performances of a full strength Phoenix with Jake and Muffdog linking well in the middle and Miles and Lucas dominating the right flank. Bolu and Hanna were strong and deadly up front.

Disaster followed as an under strength and late running Phoenix were destroyed 7-1 by Northern in the group cup. It was our first real competitive thrashing and was a shock to the system that we exorcised somewhat by beating Tigers 7-0 the next week – with Toby Denselow in the goals. Tragically Alex Wright, the team’s outstanding defender last season, hurt his back in the game and was out for the campaign.

As injuries mounted Phoenix then lost in the league to Mixer in the rain 4-0 with Ell and Toby both hurting themselves and the team finishing with 9 men on the pitch. Mixer would go on to win the league after going unbeaten with the Phoenix return fixture a dead rubber.

Phoenix were yo-yoing between great victory and humiliating defeat and next week the team, strengthened by Botterill and Kelly, beat close rivals Northern 4-1 on our much preferred astro. This game saw Phoenix at home with a fast and fluent style of football, Bolu and Muffdog in particular oozed confidence.

BVH were then beaten down at windy Regents Park, with a second half comeback inspired by the increasingly regular goals of Adam Lucas. Jon Hanna was proving dynamic both at centre-mid or centre-forward as Muffdog and Jake increasingly failed to gel in the hardest area of the pitch.

Phoenix lost to bogey team Groucho 2-1 after having Dens sent off for a phantom handball on the line. Despite a comeback a long range strike proved the undoing of Greg in goal.

Just before Christmas Phoenix showed spirit as an unfamiliar 10-man lineup beat Veras 4-3. Miles and Toby were excellent in the middle and the defence withstood a late comeback.

Into the new year top of the league and still in two cups – injuries were still present and there was little real consistency in availability – Phoenix destroyed British Samurai 6-3 in the Cup, with Jamie Paley making a full début, Muffdog scored a cracking shot. Then Phoenix went on to lose again to nemesis team Groucho 2-0 in the league.

After a mid-season break of three weeks Phoenix bounced back for one of their results of the season, beating Premiership side Virgin 3-2, with Mike Kelly excellent in goal and Bolu and Lucas in fine form again.

Ultramarine were seen off 3-0 to put Phoenix into the semi-final of the divisional cup, although Lucas was cruelly put out for the rest of the season with an Ankle injury – he’d taken skipper Dens out for the season with the same injury in training so bittersweet irony smiled upon him.

The big Q/F of the MA cup against lowly Thistle completely backfired, individual errors led to a 4-3 loss down at Hackney Marshes, although the team took the positive of welcoming new boy Tom.

Gower then drew 4-4 to Thistle, the defence listless with Treeno, despite Toby scoring a sublime hat-trick. Toby repeated his hat trick again as a strong Phoenix line up, with a debut from tricky left winger Jules, beat Ultramarine 8-0. We were almost up.
Then a loss against a decent Camden Athletic team 2-0 in the Div Cup Semis was made slightly more palatable when BVH threw in the towel meaning that Phoenix were finally promoted.

So a mixed season during which Phoenix showed both the highs and lows we’re capable of. Need to be much more organized next season in terms of commitment to matches and getting there on time. Need to think more as a team and react better to going down against sides. Lots of positives, Lucas, Hannah and Fleshie all in the goals, Toby matching them with 12 in less games – he should be around all next season – we also welcome back Dens and Alex Wright from injury. Treen was outstanding at the back and Greg grew more confident in goal as the season went on (LOBS!!).

Next Season we’re aiming to push for the Prem title and get into a cup final. New players will be brought in – if anyone knows a good player looking for a team please get them involved in the pre-season. I want to restructure the way the team works a bit with more involvement of senior players. We are planning a tour for next season, better organized pre-season and more/better socials.
So exciting times for the season – first time ever that Gower FC (or any club??) has had two teams in the Premiership. Enjoy your post-season and see you back fresh for the 08/09 campaign.



Forward together,





Now please vote accordingly by sending your choice, to jdenselow@hotmail.com






Phoenix Player of the Season

Bolu – Pace, strength and determination, timekeeping getting better too.
Treeno – Big man at the back never let the team down.
Lucas –Skill, vision and deadly finishing.

Phoenix Most Improved of the Season

Greg – Always difficult for a new keeper but settled in well
Toby – Phoenix version of Torres, deadly in front of goal
Tom – Natural footballer, lots more to come next season

Phoenix Clubman of the Season

Open Vote






Dens