Treen stands Tall for Phoenix in the Cup

Grocho 0 Gower Phoenix 0

(Gower Phoenix 4-5-1, Jo – Dens, Ell, Treen, Wall – Adam, Bradley (Howie 45’), Selbie, Mike, Jamie – Mark)

Group Cup Standings

Gower Phoenix p.2 w.1 d.1 GD +2, points 4
Grocho p.2 w.1 d.1 GD +2, points 4
Gower Allstars p.2 w.1 l.1 GD -1, points 3
Mixer p.2 l.2, GD -3, points 0

After ninety minutes of what can be safely described as ‘Sunday league football’ – both sides walked away with a point to set up an intriguing last round of fixtures to be played on the 23rd of November.

Phoenix welcomed back the industrious Selbie, the legendary Wall and indefatigable Howie into the squad – with tall winger Mike K making his first appearance on the wing and the skillful Scot Mark starting alone up front.

The men of Gower struggled to make early inroads against a very disciplined Grocho back 4. Too often the midfielders found themselves playing on top of one another and the opposition shaded the first 20 minutes – with the Wall having to make one vital slide tackle to prevent a goal. Mark was finding it a lonely task up front despite occasional breaks from the wings. The best Phoenix chances came from a Lucas set piece and a series of in-swinging Dens corners –one just headed wide. At the other end Joe Paley fantastically saved a point blank header.

With ten minutes to go Phoenix went to a 4-4-2 and started looking more dangerous as Mike joined Mark up front – the two strikers exchanging passes and looking like creating chances in the final third.

At ½ time Howie came on and the Wall moved into the midfield to add some more muscle – his impact was instantaneous as he threaded a ball with the outside of his foot through to Mark who scuffed his effort. The game became increasingly scrappy and Mixer looked the more dangerous – but Treen, Dens, Ell and Howie looking dominant and Jamie Wood covering well in goal making a number of key interceptions.

In the dying minutes Phoenix defended well as a team and even came close with a Joe Paley effort.

So all is set up for the 23rd – beat Mixer and we are pretty much through (unless Grocho hammer the Allstars) – details of the fixture to follow but make sure you’re about!!!!!!! (Bolu is returning specially for the occasion)

MOTM – Treeno – shepherded the Phoenix defence with confidence and aplomb. Best moment – controlling the ball in the area before casually clipping it over his shoulder and clearing downfield – excellent.