W 3-2 Goal scorers: John Devlin(2), Paul Mosey

Following the previous week’s loss to Wallingford, where a 1-goal lead had been surrendered, Phoenix Mens 2s were keen to pick up some points from an Amersham and Chalfont side that had made a similar start to the season.

The match didn’t get off to the best of starts, with the captain getting the start time wrong and Phoenix playing for the first 20 minutes with just 10 players. Amersham tried to take full advantage and pressed hard; luckily they lacked composure in the D and many half chances went begging. Eventually the pressure told and Amersham scored the first goal. Phoenix fought back and won a penalty flick after an excellent passing move left Alex clear in the D, only to be hacked down from behind by a desperate defender. Caley stepped forward to take the flick but the effort was weak and the Amersham keeper easily saved.

Phoenix kept at it and shortly afterwards converted a short corner with an excellent strike from Paul. Moments later the 11th player arrived and Phoenix attacked with new urgency. Dave went on numerous surging runs, interlinking well with John and Tony, who did a great job of holding up the ball and winning many free hits. Another impressive move was followed by John smashing an unstoppable shot into the far corner of the goal.

The first ten minutes of the second half continued in the same vein, with John recording another goal, this time from a rebound. Soon after that, the team began to tire and Amersham pushed more payers up the pitch in a bid to get back into the game. The Phoenix players were pressing to score more goals, so the game descended into end-to-end madness. Repeated Amersham chances finally resulted in a goal, but it was a bizarre one, as Paul won the ball in the D, but Colin failed to get out of his way and took him out, leaving the Amersham forward with a clear shot and plenty of time to pick his target.

All in all, a well-earned win!