Gower phoenix went into this game on the back of a five match unbeaten run, and having won 4-0 in their last outing, were feeling confident about continuing their hot streak on a rather chilly Sunday morning. With the referee keen to get off quickly after the match, the Gowers were rushed into this fixture after what can only be described as a quickie ‘relaxed’ warm up from skipper Adam Lucas. To makes things more difficult, the side was left without a recognised goalkeeper or any subs. So particular praise must go to Luke who offered to fill in behind the sticks in what turned out to be an impressive performance with his unorthodox but effective kung-fu style saves.
The opening exchanges were competitive as both sides fought to earn the right to play. Within minutes Jamie Davies twisted his angle on the boggy surface, but without any options on the bench, was forced to play up front with Jules. This meant a bit of a reshuffle as Miles dropped into right back and Toby ‘Aryan Solider’ Denselow slotting in at right-mid. The rest of the team lined up with Treen and Selbie at centre back and Bradley making his return at left-back. Benji pushed up to left-mid, and the creative duo of Henry and Lucas in the middle of the park. After ten minutes it appeared an inspired forced formation change. Jules ran onto a ball over the top and just beat the onrushing keeper to the ball, however it needed a previously unheard of Usain-Bolt style dash from Jamie Davies to poke the ball home from two yards. The early goal gave Phoenix a lift and the midfield started passing the ball around intelligently, with Henry and Lucas imposing themselves in the centre. Despite the Gowers surviving an onslaught of corners over a ten minute period, they always looked dangerous in attack with Jules outpacing the lumbering defence at every opportunity. One such attack resulted in some good work from Benji and Henry on the left, and lo-and-behold the poacher Jamie was there again to nick the ball home. 2 touches, 2 goals – so far a better goals to touch ratio than Arshavin!
Now the team was starting to get into the swings of things and playing with an assured swagger. Toby held off a strong challenge and put Jules through on the half way line. He paced through the back line and it seemed the perfect moment to open his account for the season. Somehow he managed to mishit the ball from a few yards out, and you could hear the (sympathetic) groans from the rest of the side. With Selbie and Treen strong at the back, a goal for the opposition was looking less likely. Miles played a great ball over the top that the centre-back missed (not for the first time) and Jules managed to slide the ball past the excitable goalkeeper to finally score. The Phoenix then started the second half in confident mood, buoyed on by 4 subs for the opposition (one of whom appeared to be prostitute and coke-snorting TV star Angus Deaton). Toby and Benji were becoming more influential in the match on the wings, and the full backs started to push forward to get in on the action. Bradley who had hadn’t put a foot wrong all day at left-back then went on a mesmerizing run that took him past four opposition players, cut in and curled an absolute beauty into the top corner. You won’t see many better goals at this level. The only blip (and you could hardly call it that) saw the Submarines nick a goal.
Before an assault of monsoon rain and hail, Phoenix then probably put together the best twenty minute spell of football they have had this season. Toby was getting a lot of joy down the left combining effectively with Jules, and it was no surprise when Jules tucked in his second after a Pro-Evo style cut back from his partner in crime. Jamie ‘Arshavin’ Davies then let the excitement go to his head as he tried to put in a sixth with an outrageous lob attempt, despite the goalie being firmly planted on his line! Jules was causing mayhem for the opposition defence and after a few dodgy offside calls, he beat the trap and went round the keeper to earn a long-overdue hatrick. Almost as soon as the goal went in a ten minute deluge hit the pitch that was like an Indian monsoon. With huge puddles all over the pitch, the opposition put as lot of pressure to get the match abandoned. The referee said play on, and Pheonix smelt blood. Captain Lucas got a deserved goal before Jules picked out Toby on the left hand side to score with the last kick of the game. All in all a fantastic performance in difficult conditions. With Gowers still to welcome back Jamie Wood, captain Dens, Bolu and Charlie amongst others the future is looking bright for the side.
MOTD – Jules and Bradley. Jules ran the defence ragged and got a hatrick. Bradley marked his return with a great defensive performance and the pick of the goals.
