THE RIGHT RESULT

Subs

• Bissell

• Davies

• Foster

• Halloran

It was back to league action today and the beginning of a sequence of games that will really make us feel a part of the Premiership.  So far it has been a little stop start with cup games thrown in.  As well as the fixtures pitching us against Chelmsley and Knowle in the early games so we have not really had a run of games against the established Premier sides.  That will change from today as the next two games are also against Shenley and Meadow Park (Headless).

Once again we would have all 15 players fit and available for selection.  Thursdays training session was of the very highest calibre with all of the lads staking a claim for a place.  After last weeks victory I decided to start with the same 11 lads who did so well.

We started the brighter of the two teams and Mark had an early chance. He didn’t quite get hold of it and the keeper parried the ball out.  Ryan was quick and alert to follow the shot in but the keeper was back on his feet and managed to make another block to keep us out.

As usual the Phoenix team were bright going forward with all 3 forwards proving to be a handful.  Our defence stood firm and Stevo was tidying up behind them.  A few testing corners were defended well and Stevo also punched successfully.  Phoenix were then unlucky when a shot from distance rattled our crossbar.

We were still in the game and Dylan was proving to be a real handle for the Phoenix defence.  This was far and away Dyl’s best performance of the season as his harassing style of play, mixed in with a better awareness of where his team mates were paid dividends.

There wasn’t too much more action in the 1st half.  I was concerned that our midfield was not seeing enough of the ball but defensively we were as usual, very sound.  James had to come off with an injury so Jacko returned to his accustomed right back spot.

The 2nd half was much the same.  Both sides wanted that 1st goal and Phoenix did get it when the ball was not cleared in our area.  As it broke loose it was slammed into the net.

We had to raise our game from here and the subs went on as we went all out for goals.  Dayle was having another impressive game in a slightly different role.  His ability in the air has improved so much and he is now winning the majority of tackles that he may have lost previously.

Jack Davies was making the biggest impact of the subs with neat control and good movement allowing him to see plenty of the ball.  Halloran had an early opportunity to shoot but it sailed wide.  Jack Davies then hit the target with a good volley from distance and we were gradually taking control of the game.  Phoenix have so much class upfront though and our back four had to stay alert.  Graham was tremendous in the air and on the ground and Jacko looked like he had never been away.  Pete once again did a great job for the team considering the ball is always on his weaker foot.

Our next chance was to fall to Dylan who was by now at the top of his game.  A corner dropped to him on the 6 yard box but leaning back he could only hit it over the bar.

Finally persistence paid off.  Dyl collected the ball and ran at the defenders before firing in a shot from the edge of the box.  The keeper was routed to the spot and had no chance.  We deserved the goal for our efforts and so did Dyl.

Not much really happened after.  Phoenix came at us and forced a few corners and we kept trying to force a winner.  A 1-1 draw and probably a fair result on reflection although I do still feel that these close games are there for the taking. 

Next week will be our toughest test so far.  Another training session like Thursdays and we will be ready for the challenge ahead.

Steve