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Phoenix Dispell the MythMark Young Tuesday, August 13, 2002 09:40 GMT
Phoenix Fc started their friendly program with a win in a competitive match against GriffinFC.
Starting with many familiar faces from the old Lacy days, Phoenix settled well and had the best of the early play, Griffin not looking too much of a threat. Several good early chances were spurned, Jez Horgan wasting the best of these by ballooning his volley into space. However Darren Williams got caught on the left and a deep cross was not dealt with by the defence. The Griffin striker tried to knock the ball accross goal but succeeded in lobbing Dave Leatherbarrow Phoenix's keeper and putting Griffin ahead well against the run of play. Still Phoenix tried to play football on the deck with Ben Stokes, Dave Barnett and Rich Johnson linking up well through the middle. Eventually the pressure told as Mark Young picked up the ball in midfield and launched a speculative shot from 30 yards. The keeper seemed to have it covered but managed to spill the ball over his own line. Now Phoenix were completely on top and duely punished Griffin with the best move of the game. The ball was sprayed from one end of the pitch to the other, culminating with Gary Barnett drilling a shot passed the helpless Griffin keeper. Half time casme soon after with the 2 - 1 score flattering Griffin.
Many changes were made during the interval to ensure all players got a good run out. This upset the balance of the team a little, but Phoenix still managed to look comfortable and went further ahead when a another good move set Richie Johnson free on the right and his low first time cross was stroked home by Ben kinch. Griffin started getting a bit niggly at this point and soon had a player sin binned for a cynical lunge. Tempers flared as Micky Weardon clashed repeatedly with one of their players. As phoenix made more changes Griffin got back in the game when Darren Williams was turned inside out and the Griffin striker beat Dave at the near post. However it was a too little too late and Phoenix hung on for a deserved win.
All in all a good first performance with players settling in well, especially before the changes at half time. With a setlled side it could have been a stroll in the park. The defence looked solid with Justin West controlling everything at the back, and there are still other players to come in. Going forward there were many options and looks like plenty of goals.
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