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Tony Sparano

Phoenix Rising

Updated: Oct 11, 2021

Phoenix U13's

Another beautiful sunny Sunday morning this October 10th and Phoenix shone brightly today.

The boys took to the field with an air of confidence in what they wanted to achieve. The plans were set and with training tactics fresh in their minds, they didn't dissapoint.

We quickly secured a strong foot hold from the start. Within minutes a fantastic play along the right wing in the third minute led to Finn and Matty playing a series of one two's, creating Matty's first ever well deserved goal for the club and boy what a goal it was too, banging home a storming shot from the edge of the box into the top right hand corner leaving the goalkeeper totally stranded.

We closed down fast and controlled the pace of the game, but unfortunately from a deflection off one of their players, it caught us on the backfoot and led to an equaliser after eleven minutes.

Again the boys were not happy to sit back and led a surge of attacks playing some absolutely lovely fast passing football, eventually on the twenty-first minute Dan managed to tap home a goal inside the 6 yard box with a lovely cross from Finn.

The Studs also led a surge of attacks but our goalkeeper Rocco was outstanding, making save after save and commanding his defence with confidence and leadership.

Wingbacks Matty and Jack were solid and made some great runs to support the front line.

Centre backs Cameron and Luke were outstanding too, with excellent clearances and solid tackling, their partnership is developing well week in week, they really didn't allow Studs front line any movement at all.

We saw a more solid controlling midfield with AJ, Evan, Finn and Tom holding and controlling the pace of the game a lot more, again playing some lovely passing football and darting runs through the middle and closing down well.

Aj showed he was a worthy opponent at tackling and not giving in. Finn was everywhere and battled away. Evan took the game to them and made some aggressive runs through the middle. Tom equally stood his ground and applied constant pressure and a few shots on target.

Upfront Osayd, Dan and Mass ran ragged with darting runs through and accross the goal, they had their opportunities to score but their goalkeeper was on form too. We could see the Studs defenders really struggling to keep up with the full force of midfielders and attackers attacking the goal only to be thwarted by goalie and post. A mention for Ollie who injured himself in the warm up but managed to play a couple of minutes at the end.

This did not deter the opposition as they mounted a final attack in the dying minutes of the game, getting two consecutive corners, but again defended admirably by Phoenix, but especially Rocco holding firm helping secure the victory.

Now as the FA Referee usually appoints man of the match, todays decision was left to me (A special mention to Dave for standing in as referee today and Tony C for linesman duties).

But, truly, truly everyone of them deserved man of the match today, in my mind they were all outstanding against a tough opposition.

I believe Rocco stood out just that little bit more in quality of saves and his communication with his defenders and teammates. So well done Rocco for Man of the Match.

But a special well done to all the boys, a great game and great team performance. Thankyou for an entertaining game today, lovely to watch and always proud to be manager of the team.


The Phoenix Galactico's

Today found themselves away to the mighty Croft Juniors.

The boys coming off a big defeat and messy game last week, were determined to show what they were made of.

In goal Kaamil had a strong performance and only conceaded one goal, this was also 1 down to a strong back line of George, Mikaael, Muhammad, Josh and Hamed, who all defended with a solid stance but equally wing backs George and Hamed helped support the attacks very well.

The midfield of Martino, Abbas and Luca seemed more confident this week again playing some great football and applying pressure constantly. Upfront Isaiah linked up brilliantly with the midfield players to creat the attack wall of five.

Goals form Abbas, Luca and a hatrick for Isaiah all helped secure the 5-1 victory.

Man of the match was awarded to George for his solid defending, great forward runs and passing.

Well done boys you came back fighting with control and confidence this week, wonderful performance.


The junior 8's

Although our development squad, they are fast learning to be a strong side and a force to reckon with.

Passing was great, tackling was firm and closing down was fast and strong, although a narrow defeat today. Their performance showed an improved understanding of the game. Also you can see the beginnings of a team that is starting to gel together and work as a team.

Well done boys, I was told it was an exciting game with lots of action.

Keep up the good work.







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