Phoenix 2 Outback 4(Joe – Dens, Chris, Treen, Sumner – Jamie, Lucas, James B, Jon H, Fleshie – Bolu)This Report didn’t go up earlier so as not to give the game away re: tactics pre-Gower Cup game (see next report).
After a series of batterings Phoenix took stock and changed their formation to a 4-5-1 with Bolu the lone striker and Jon Hanna the holding midfielder.
This game was a testament to how this system could work well plus the problems with individual defensive lapses that remain.
Phoenix dominated much of the first half. With only 5 minutes gone Bolu was played in behind the defence after impressive play from new boy James B and Lucas, his shot was just wide. Then Dens (playing on the right) cut in and sliced open the Outback defence where Bolu shrugged off his man to cross for Lucas to tap into an open net 1-0.
Phoenix had several other chances, another Bolu one on one spurred just wide and Lucas heading a Dens corner just over. Then towards the end of the ½ Outback struck back with a long ball not dealt with and a counter attack that exposed the back four. 1-2 at ½ time.
Second ½ was more ragged as fitness levels of several players struggled – Outback scored a belter followed by another case of panic at the back left it at 1-4. Then step forward Bolu with some fantastic strength and running which ended in him eventually scoring the goal he deserved to make it 4-2. Phoenix pushed on to no avail but the team had played much better than in previous games.. there was hope.
Phoenix 2 Allstars 0
(Allister – Muffdog, Treen, Tom, Joe – Jamie, Lucas, James B, Jon H, Toby – Bolu)
The hope from the week previous was transformed into an excellent victory over Premiership champions Gower Allstars to reclaim the Gower Cup - not held by Phoenix since summer 2007.
Guest appearance from Muffdog, a final appearance from Bolu (3 months in Paris) and Tom (moving to Allstars, transfer - fee TBC) plus first appearance from new keeper Allister as Phoenix took to the field on a bright and sunny October afternoon.
The game started at a high tempo and Allister was called into sliding action several times as communication between defence and keeper was tested early on by Medders predatory running (that later changed into him simply trying not to be seen by the defenders).
The Phoenix midfield of five looked organized and comfortable on the ball. James B making a real impact on only his second Phoenix game as he linked well with ‘puppet-master’ Lucas. Allister’s long kicks from hand were unsettling the little and large Allstars centre backs and eventually led to an assist from the Phoenix keeper as his clearance bounced over Allstars defence and was tucked away by Jamie Wood – 1-0 Phoenix.
Allstars looked dangerous on the counterattack with Dave Botts silky ball skills making Phoenix look a bit silly. But with Jon Hanna easily outmuscling all comers Phoenix were getting some good possession. They needed to be very aware of the Allstars threat however and Treen twice headed fantastic clearances from under the bar. Then Jo Paley somehow cleared a lop shot from off the life in a superb piece of defending.
Phoenix pushed forward with Bolu far to hot to handle forcing Rod into no-man’s land when the ball spilled to Jamie Wood who returned it first time into the net with a looping side foot shot from 30 yards out. Superb – 2-0.
It could have been three as Lucas and Treen both missed good headers from corners and a stinging James Bradley effort was just about kept out by the Bison.
Second half and the most immediate action was Toby skipping free of the Allstars defence before being brought down by Ricky, who, as the last man, saw red for his troubles.
Allstars still looked dangerous with 10 men and should have scored if it hadn’t been for some serious last ditch defending from the back four and some outstanding blocks and punches from Allister.
So excellent result and despite losing Bolu for a while Phoenix can hold their head up with pride for the first time this season.
MOTM:
Bolu – worked so hard it almost looked as he was going to faint. Great strength from a great player and true Phoenix man, narrowly pipped Allister to the post who enjoyed one of the best first games I’ve seen from a keeper.
