ALL STARS BIASED MATCH REPORT: ALL STARS V. PHOENIX

Intro
In swamp-like conditions, Ranulf Rd hosted an inter-club semi final (miscellaneous cup) clash: All Stars v Phoenix. On a difficult pitch the game lacked quality at times but there was never any lack of commitment or direction on either side. Both teams are well organised and played with a purpose that comes from winning games.

First half
Playing down the slope proved to be a significant advantage - with both teams enjoying pre-eminent periods when playing with the benefit of the slope and relatively dry land from which to launch attacks.

All Stars played down the slope in the first half, with the ‘dry’ conditions in the upper half of the pitch allowing them to play out from the back and string together some incisive moves.

All Stars created plenty of good goal scoring opportunities, with Jamie and Owen’s link play proving very hard to contain. Owen hit the target with several powerful strikes. The Phoenix keeper, however, made some excellent saves. One in particular low to his left was outstanding. Jamie also had opportunities, one of which, a left foot strike from a tight angle, snuck agonisingly wide (from an all star perspective).

All Stars did finally take the lead when Owen followed up his own initial header (saved by Sam) to bundle home.

However, the Phoenix rear-guard, led by Selby and the Wall, were clearly primed for the test and defended with authority in heavy conditions to restrict All Stars to 1-0 lead at half time. Phoenix hung in the much, safe in the knowledge that their time would come in the second half.

Second Half
Phoenix, having focused on restricting the All Stars lead, now began to gear up the offensive side of their game. Jules saw more of the ball, as the Phoenix midfield compressed play and began to hem the All Stars in. Phoenix created several half chances and forced a series of corners. One header from Patrick sailed just wide of the All Stars goal. A close call.

Then followed a moment of controversy that could have swung the course of the game. The ball went out of play and the All Stars drifted up the pitch anticipating an All Stars throw. Henry, of the Phoenix, (aka Manu Petit), put the ball down and asked the referee if he could start play with a free kick. The referee obliged, much to the astonishment of the All Stars back 4. A simple ball from Henry played into space behind the right side (Phoenix left) of the ill-prepared defence released Jules into acres of space. Jules squared (backwards - therefore, rightly, no offside) to Toby with the All Stars defence still a long way off the pace. This was the chance…. but the ball skewed off the outside of Toby’s boot and did not trouble Ulrich. Toby appeared to lose his footing at the crucial moment.

Phoenix continued to push and created a series of half-chances. During this period the All Stars back 4 just about held firm, led by Byfield who put in a display to further boost the arguments of those that suggest a winter break is the way forward. During this period the work rate of Caird and Aaron was crucial, whilst Chads bravery in playing through a hamstring injury was fundamental to the team retaining its shape. The All Stars only mounted the odd counter-attack up the hill. One such attack saw Sampson provide a pin-point delivery from the right wing (not for the first time) and Owen, at the back post, headed wide when a second goal seemed inevitable in light of O’s current form.

Summary

In the end, the All Stars held out. This was not vintage All Stars - too often we were guilty of playing the wrong ball/long ball out of defence when more thoughtful distribution would have relieved the pressure. However, no doubt this is credit to Phoenix who put us under great pressure and, by the end, had knocked us well out of the composed approach with which we had set out.

Men worthy of mention
Henry - A powerful authoritative presence for the Phoenix.

Ben Caird - on debut, energy, commitment and quality - clearly a player who can improve the All Stars and could play a very important role in the final weeks of the season.

Phil - support from the touchline hitting newlevels (decibels).


Man of the match
Tom Byfield. Solid, calm and composed. Saw the All Stars through a rocky spell.