Last seasons U16 KY North squad moved up to U18 Premier this season and kicked off with an away trip to Sheppey Utd. Most of last seasons squad remained with the addition of 3 quality new signings. The pitch was immaculate the sun was shining with the boys looking to get off to a good start.

Kick Off
With just 6 mins on the clock, James Dyer created a chance for Tom Dolding which wasn't taken and not long after, Jamie Hutchins had a long range effort. Phoenix were showing early intent.

They took a deserved lead after 10 mins. New signing Boston Celestine got in behind the Sheppey defence and was brought down with the ref awarding a penalty. James Dyer stepped up to take and slotted home past the keepers right hand side. Sheppey 0 Phoenix 1

After conceding the penalty, Sheppey came into the game and it was a fairly even next 10 mins with Phoenix trying to play out and a few mistakes at back almost being punished.

But Phoenix continued to play their game with Harry Harmer in midfield covering every blade of grass and Euan Corbett-Smith winning everything in the air and on the ground at the back. Another chance for Tom Dolding on 20 mins went over the bar.

Several chances followed not long after with a great run and shot from James Dyer, then a chance for Ollie Boniface. It looked like being the same story as previous campaigns with Phoenix having plenty of the ball and loads of chances but failing to take them.

There was a late flurry of action as the first half came to a close. The first substitution was made with Henry Leek coming on for Boston Celestine. Then Sheppey felt they should have had a penalty as Charlie Hanmore stood his ground the striker went over but the ref waved play on. From the break, Henry Leek found himself clean through but put his shot wide.

As we moved into the final minutes of the half, some great play out from the back from Phoenix and a lovely through ball from Ollie to James Dyer saw him skip past a couple of challenges and slot home to make it 2-0.

But Sheppey were given a lifeline right on half time as a late corner was headed in to make it 2-1. A poor goal to concede.

Half Time -Sheppey 1 Phoenix 2

With a strong squad available, Phoenix rang the changes at half time with Charlie Hanmore and Billy Edwards coming off and Jack Wall and Dylan Silva coming on. This meant a quick reshuffle across the backline as James Ash moved to left back.

Sheppey were almost at the start of the second half but didn't take their chance. Fresh from their goal before half time, they came out strong in the second half and gave Phoenix something to think about.

But Phoenix weathered the storm and made a change which saw Ollie Boniface go off and Ted Green come on.

Phoenix were now back in control and a cracking low shot from Jamie Hutchins was well saved by the Sheppey keeper.

Not long after, Henry Leek was fouled and the Phoenix players claimed it was inside the box but referee decided it was right on the line and gave a free kick.

A further change saw Tom Dolding go off for Tom Fernandes with Phoenix fully utilising their full strength in depth.

With around 20 mins of the second half gone, a well worked move saw James Dyer play in Ted Green - who had made an excellent run behind the Sheppey defence - who slotted home with a cool finish to make it 3-1.

Another change saw James Dyer given a breather with Billy Edwards coming onto the left hand side.

After 70 mins, Dylan Silva saw his header go just wide

Phoenix then made their final changes with Henry Leek making way for Boston and injured Jamie Hutchins off for James Dyer.

As the end of the game approached, Phoenix looked much fitter than Sheppey and were playing some lovely football. A Billy Edwards cross saw Bostons header tipped over bar and from the resulting corner, Phoenix pressure saw the ball fall to Tom Fernandes who scored to make it 4-1.

Full Time - Sheppey 1 Phoenix 4

A superb first U18 win for the boys on a lovely pitch which allowed them to play their passing game. There will be tougher challenges ahead but ones which this very talented squad will relish and look forward to.

Starting XI: Tom Monty, Charlie Hanmore, Billy Edwards, James Ash, Euan Corbett-Smith, Jamie Hutchins, Harry Harmer, James Dyer, Tom Dolding, Boston Celestine, Ollie Boniface
Subs: Dylan Silva, Tom Fernandes, Ted Green, Jack Wall, Henry Leek, Billy Sullivan