Erith & Belvedere v Phoenix Sports: Match overview

The game kicked-off on a sunny Tuesday evening at Park View Road, the ground that Erith & Belvedere share with Vanarama National side, Welling United.

It was The Deres who came out the blocks fastest, netting a goal inside the first five minutes. Phoenix responded by upping their game, with some great defending keeping us in the game at one end, and some fabulous movement from Jack Barham at front forcing a great save from the opposition's keeper.

On 21 minutes, Phoenix levelled the score through a scorching free-kick from left-back, Ashley Probets. Shortly after this was following by a curling corner from Probets, which was pushed out by the goalkeeper into the path of Barham who tapped it in, but was flagged offside.

And, under 15 minutes later in the 34th minute, Phoenix took the lead with a great strike from Kelvin Ogdo.

Just before half-time Phoenix made a substitution, bringing on Kweku Ansah for Aaron Johnson on 42 minutes.

Half-time: Erith & Belvedere 1-2 Phoenix Sports

Second half kicked-off with no half-time substitutions. Phoenix hit the ground running, with striker Barham coming out strong and causing The Deres back line multiple problems.

On the 65th minute Phoenix made another substitution bringing on reserves midfielder Billy Muckle for Kelvin Ogdo.

Less than 10 minutes later, The Deres levelled the score through a curled in free-kick, which snuck in past keeper Steve Phillips, who took a knock in the process and was substituted moments later, with Alex Jones replacing him.

Erith & Belvedere piled on the pressure, forcing a great clearance off of the line from Terry Murray. There was another substitution moments later, with Charlie Tagg coming on for Frankie Sawyer up front.

The Deres continued to cause problems for Phoenix, with them eventually taking the lead in 78th minute through a unstoppable screamer off a shot. However, just two minutes later and excellent through ball from Billy Muckle found its way to Jack Barham who made no mistake slotting it in the back of the net to bring the score level again. 3-3.

The final substitution from Phoenix came in the 88th minute, where Billy Reavill replaced Johnny Miller.

The game finished 3-3, and was a great test for a lot of the younger players on the field for Phoenix.

Just one pre-season match to go now against Dorking Wanderers for the 1st team, before the official start of the season on 12th August, which will see them travel to Ramsgate for their opening Bostik League Division One South game.