Phoenix 16-05-10

Ravens 4 v 3 Phoenix

Brian 1

Frank 3

M.o.M :- Tom / Frank

The last game of a long but successful season saw us edge a thriller with an end to end game that could have gone either way. Our poor and undisciplined performance actually made for a cracking game. That blended in with what I will call “questionable” selection from the opposition.

We started terribly and were a goal down when we failed to deal with a throw in. We could have been even further behind by the time Brian equalised shortly after he had rattled the post. We were on the back foot again. We looked very shaky at the back and lacked any real shape whatsoever. Going forward we looked a threat with Rankin and Brian but Ish and Josh W were unusually quiet.

The game was quite physical which is a sign of what is to come in the higher leagues so it may not have been a bad thing for us. We gave as good as we got. Frank made a real impact when he went on.

More chances at both ends both sides hit the post again. Tom had made a few crucial saves as did their keeper. Frank powered in a goal for us but half time was 2-2.

The 2^nd half was the same. Pretty poor from us as Phoenix were battling for the 2^nd promotion place which they would have got with a win.

The game got very open and chances came and went at both ends. Frank got the goal that I had hoped would win it to make it 3-2 but again we threw it away with another soft equaliser. We then could have fell behind but for another save from Tom and the post being struck again. One last push from us saw Frank bundle home the winner to see a fitting thrilling end to an outstanding season.

Can I just finish by saying that only 16 months ago I walked into a gym that contained only Josh White and Liam Evans. Martin and I began trawling the local area and slowly we found the right pieces to fit our jigsaw. The ambition was always to win the league but after our 1st 3 friendly’s I do not think anybody would have thought that we could have achieved what we have.

The players are fully aware of how happy I am with their attitude to training and development but a huge thanks to the parents that have made my own, Martin's and Rob’s life so much easier. All the little things like picking up another player, carrying the goals, putting up the barrier, making the tea and coffee and supporting the fundraisers have meant we can concentrate fully on the playing side of things, and for that we thank you. Let’s have a great presentation evening and enjoy some time off before we have to do it all again. I can’t wait.