Phoenix-02-10-2011

Open Cup Round 2

Phoenix Utd 5 v 5 Olton Ravens

Olton won 6-5 on Pens

Scorers:- Brian2, Frank, Kori, Logan

Penalty Scorers:-Bri, Josh D, Frank, Logan, Kori and Liam

M.o.M :- Ish

Today the lads decided to keep you all entertained by literally doing it the hard way. We hand the opposition a 3 goal head start with a very poor 1^st half display. We were soft centred and under prepared for the more physical and pacey side of the game that Phoenix offer.

For the 1^st time today I noticed a few performers that were not up for the battle and that was disappointing after a great performance from the team in recent weeks and in training Wednesday.

We got back in to the game with a goal that was as good a goal as we have produced in our couple of years. Logan, Brad and Rankin linked up beautifully with 1 and 2 touch passing to put Logan in on goal. Logan crashed the ball past the keeper top give us a lifeline.

The 2^nd half was better. Frank added some steel and Ish and Josh W added pace to the defence. Rankin was undoubtedly having his best game of the season.

Franks powerful free kick made it 3-2 and then the comedy of errors at the back continued as we conceded a 4^th. Kori scored a typical goal after a surging run down the left as we turned the screw. Brians corner then went straight in to level the scores. 4-4.

Into extra time and Bri gave us the lead for the 1^st time and as we held out we conceded a penalty at the death to make it 5-5.

The end to end game went to a shootout and both sets of players stepped up with confidence with some unstoppable shots. Finally Liam kept a cool head to pick his spot in the bottom corner to see us through. As poor as we were and with more mistakes than I have ever seen in 1 game, we battled through this tough cup game when other teams may have folded. Man of the match went to Ish for steadying our defence when it was required but well played to Rankin too. Remember our 1^st goal in this game, as it is the type of goal we have been training toward for 2 years.

Steve