Phoenix (4-4-2) Allister - Dens, Ell, Treen, Selbie - Bradley, Lucas, Wall, J - Wood, CharlieA rusty Phoenix side failed to come up with the goods against a very beatable Groucho team and let mistakes sink them.
The first twenty minutes of the match were a terrible procession of misplaced passes and aimless balls from both teams. Eventually Gowers defence got on top of the Groucho defenders and the midfield began to string some moves together. There were three excellent chances in the first half - they came from patient build up - the first saw good work on the left from Bradley result in Charlie just scuffing his shot wide, then the Wall had a great chance when the ball fell to him inside the area - the Groucho keeper making a great save. Then just before half time, Dens switched the ball across to Lucas whose long range shot was just kept out of the top corner.
0-0 at HT
The second half was scrappy and without any clear cut chances for Phoenix despite the hard running of both Wood and Charlie. Phoenix never really looked threatened until a weak shot squirmed under the keepers body allowing for a lucky 1-0 lead to Groucho. With J tiring from having played earlier the play further fragmented and eventually a 2-0 lead was taken after Dens was beaten on the right and the striker slotted home.
Disappointing result - but with alot of attacking players out and with our attackers having never started together there is alot of hope for the coming games. Charlie will be a real asset this season and Treen and Selbie looked rock solid at the centre of the defence.
MOTM - Selbie - Tough cookie, strong in tackle and never looked in trouble.
