Toby bags a hat trick as Phoenix restore pride

Gower Phoenix 3 Gower Allstars 0

Gower Phoenix (4-4-2) Allister – Dens, Selbie, Jamie Wood, Bradley – Rob, Henry, Lucas, Miles – Toby, Jules

Gower Phoenix restored much needed pride and 3 league points in an exciting match at Regents Park.

As with all Gower Cup fixtures the game was played with energy and commitment from both sides. Phoenix brought in the tough tackling Henry for his full debut in the centre of midfield, with Rob on the left and Miles on the right. Allstars started with an unfamiliar back four that included Russ and Mike Kelly as full backs – ahead of them the lethal trio of Botts, Owen and Medley.

Despite the previous weeks 2nd ½ battering Phoenix started confidently in the autumn afternoon sunshine. Jules and Toby were running decent angles up front and the Allstars keeper had to be fully on his game to snuff out ½ chances. Jules hit the post and Toby had a weak shot saved at one end, whilst swift counterattacks from Allstars were always a danger for the Phoenix defence.

With no goals in the first ½ the game exploded into life ten minutes into the second ½ - when Kelly clipped Henry who had driven into the penalty box at speed. Toby stood up and scored the penalty, his first of the season, to make it 1-0. The Allstars came back strongly and Jamie and Selbie had to be on their game repelling attacks. Both Phoenix fullbacks – Dens and Bradley – also made several key challenges, backed up by strong shouts and ball claims from Allister the keeper.

With only fifteen minutes to go Adam Lucas took out Owen in a mirror of the Phoenix penalty, Medley however struck his penalty weakly and Allister was able to save with his big, big boots. A let off for the Phoenix was followed up with two quick goals, the next one effectively ending the tie, Dens unleashed Rob down the left and his fantastic cross was met by a flying header from Toby that nestled in the bottom right – 2-0.

Allstars were beaten and with only a few minutes to go another Rob cross was collected by Toby who showed patience in dinking the keeper. 3-0. Great result for the Phoenix who showed real character in reacting to the previous week’s game.

MOTM – Henry – Battling debut in the centre of midfield, never shied away from making the big challenges and on this form should become a Phoenix regular.