Phoenix kicked their campaign off with a solid performance earning them a point, which happens to be the 1st point in two years taking last years dibanded team into account.
Phoenix started the game in a very positive way and came roaring out the blocks. Some good passing and movement saw the oppostion defence all over the place and Phoenix were able to create a couple of chances but could not convert.
10 minutes in however Phoenix were ahead. A flowing move down the left saw Daz play the perfect through ball for Adam, and from about 20 yards out Adam hit a powerful shot that lobbed the keeper and went in just under crossbar to give Phoenix a well deserved lead, and leave Newbridge wondering what had just hit them.
Unfortunately for Phoenix Chris had to come off after appearing to have damaged his quad muscle, which could see him out for upto a month. Very disapointing for Phoenix as he had started the game brightly, able to hold the ball up to bring others into play. Phil was the player to replace him which saw rob move forward and Phil slotted into defensive Midfield alongside Ste.
That changed the game for Phoenix though and Newbridge started to control the centre of midfield although Ste was doing an amazing job closing down players all over the pitch.
The scores were level though on 25 mins as Newbridge attacked they swung in a cross which was cleared by Phoenix, but only as far as their left back who was in an advanced position, picking the ball up on the corner edge of the pentalty area, he hit a cross-come shot which flew straight into the rop right hand corner of the net, leaving Ade no chance, it was no more than they deserved at that time in the game.
Newbridge continued to attack and they seemed to like to use there left winger, who seemed to think he was Lionel messi at times, but Gibson who was playing right back for the first time put him in his place with some good positioning and tackling.
After the short break the match was balanced and both teams looked like the could win it. Both teams having chances to score. Ade pulled out some good saves while Gibson made a double block to keep the scores at 1-1. At the other end Ad raced onto a through ball but under pressure from the defender he could only put the ball wide of the mark. Rich had a 25 yard free kick, which was tipped over by the keeper as it dipped wickedly and looked like it was going to creep in. Dan played a beautiful through ball and Ad was through 1 on 1 only to be judged off side by the linesman who just so happened to be apart of the other team.
As it was neither team could find that game winning goal and the result was probably a fair one. All in all, lots of positives to take away and some very good individual performances aswell as a great team performance.
Phoenix's next game is the first round of the Cup against Gospel oak, who just so happens to be a team we played in pre-season. Hopefully we will get the better of them in a game that matters.
