Starting XI: Tom Montgomerry, Jack Wall, James Ash, Isaac Smith, Charlie Hanmore, Ted Green, Archie Roast, David Balogun, Jamie Hutchins, Tom Fernandes, Henry Leek
Subs: Lucas Mvongo, Tiago Dos Santos

Kick Off

With 7 players away on holiday due to half-term, there were several changes to the team this week and the from the start it seemed like it would be a difficult afternoon for the boys. They struggled to find any rhythm and Elmstead were clearly up for the challenge of trying to be the first team to beat Phoenix in the league this season.

They won every header and all the loose balls and Phoenix were given no time to create anything.

In fairness neither side created much but Elmstead always looked most likely and as half time approached they got their reward. A ball straight through the middle saw the defence outpaced and the striker slotted past Tom Monty in the Phoenix goal. 0-1.

Just before half time Phoenix made their first change of the game as Tiago Dos Santos came on for Tom Fernandes.

Half Time - Phoenix Sports 0 FC Elmstead 1

After a half-time pep talk, Phoenix started the second half better. They almost equalised in the first few minutes of the second half when a James Ash free kick fell to Jamie Hutchins who put his chance wide. This was quickly followed by another chance which went begging.

Having failed to find the equaliser, Phoenix almost found themselves further behind. As the midfield and defence pushed up to try and find the goal to level the game, they kept getting caught on the break and it took several saves from Tom Monty to keep the score at 0-1.

Further changes saw Lucas come on and Henry go off then come on again in the hope he could nick us a goal.

As Elmstead continued to play with full commitment, one challenge saw the referee reach for his red card and saw them go down to 10 men. Shortly after they started to try and run down the clock and after being booked already, another player saw red when he kicked the ball away. Elmstead were suddenly down to 9 men and hanging on.

As full time approached, Phoenix launched another attack and having been sent on to snatch a goal, a chance fell to Henry Leek who scored at the second time of asking after the keeper almost kept him out. 1-1.

Was there enough time for Phoenix to take all 3 points? No, as shortly after the re-start the referee blew his whistle.

Full Time - Phoenix Sports 1 FC Elmstead 1

A tough afternoon for the Phoenix boys but all credit to FC Elmstead who made life difficult from the first minute. Phoenix remain unbeaten in the league but will need to re-group and play much better with games against fellow title challengers still to play - Bromley (twice), Cray Wanderers and Glebe. There is also the small matter of the Kent County Cup Semi Final on the horizon. #COYP