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Reserves grab a draw after defiant comeback

Reserves grab a draw after defiant comeback

Clare Jackson14 Aug 2017 - 20:52
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Phoenix Reserves fight back after going down 2-0 at home to grab a draw against SC Thamesmead.

The first home game of the 2017/18 season for the Phoenix Reserves was against one of their many local rivals - Sporting Club Thamesmead, who thumped Forest Hill Park last week.

Both of the teams previous meetings last season were very close affairs, with Phoenix Reserves winning at their place and then SC Thamesmead returning the favour and beating them at home.

Playing conditions at Mayplace Road were perfect as usual, thanks to Phil Leeds our grounds man, and we also had our SCEFL league Secretary Derek Peck officiating on the line.

Manager Ben Kotey had 20 players at his disposal for this match, but was mindful that the Reserves also have another match on Tuesday night away to Erith & Belvedere, so with that in mind Macaulay Forrester got his chance in goal, and Callum Flynn and Tariq Ibrahim also got opportunities to start in their favoured positions.

The first half was high tempo from the start with the opposition's offensive pace clearly causing problems for us, and within the first five mins they missed a golden opportunity to go one up - it was easier to miss!!!!!!

Still 0-0, and Phoenix started to settle, creating their own chances, with Josh Dalsan going close with a header. However, after 34 minutes Thamesmead got the break through Josh Patrick scoring after a quick counter attack 1-0 half time.

GOAL: Josh Patrick, SC Thamesmead (34mins)

HALF-TIME: Phoenix Reserves 0-1 SC Thamesmead

Within two minutes of the restart Thamesmead had scored again, with a tap in from Jerome Ward.

GOAL: Jerome Ward, SC Thamesmead (47mins)

At this point, Kotey decided to change things around, bringing off Captain, Aaron Johnstone for Macey Malyon and Andrew Dythe for George Paskins. And, there seemed to be an immediate reaction with Macey Malyon banging in a goal on the 58th minute.

GOAL: Macey Malyon, Phoenix Sports (58 mins)

Ben Kotey's substitutions made all the difference, with the home team looking stronger as Thamesmead started to look laboured and tired. Eventually, the pressure told with Phoenix unlucky not to be awarded a penalty, after Tariq Ibrahim forced his opponent into a rash challenge and a blatant handball.

Kotey made one more change with Josh Dalsan coming off for Bradley Forrester on the left (nice to see Brad back involved).

Phoenix Reserves pushed on and kept probing, the home team's defence now marshalled excellently by Sam and UCHE ….. but, could they get the equaliser they had been pressing for?

Yes! In the 85th minute Phoenix Reserves are awarded a penalty after Tariq Ibrahim is again fouled in the box following great approach play by Lewis Affleck. Tariq duly stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty, 2-2.

GOAL: Penalty - Tariq Ibrahim, Phoenix Sports (85 mins)

Thamesmead rallied for a third, being denied a penalty in the last five minutes. Phoenix Reserves held out for the draw, following a great comeback from the boys in green. Final score, 2-2.

FINAL SCORE: Phoenix Reserves 2-2 SC Thamesmead

GOAL: Josh Patrick, SC Thamesmead (34mins)
GOAL: Jerome Ward, SC Thamesmead (47mins)
GOAL: Macey Malyon, Phoenix Sports (58mins)
GOAL: Tariq Ibrahim, Phoenix Sports (Penalty - 88mins)

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