Amidst the start of a new term and with the rigours of Freshers Week perhaps taking their toll, a distinctly undermanned University of Essex hosted a buoyant Phoenix side and paid the price in a 12-goal drubbing.

The old adage about beating what’s before you applied here, but this was an unfortunate episode for a home side who were title contenders last year.

Phoenix had superior numbers and also skill, notably in debutant Ross Henderson, who put away a hat-trick and this game was a siege from the first minute.

Wave after wave of attacks started and within a matter of minutes, the first three goals were already on the sheet. The University rallied and showed spirit, but other than one or two forays into their opponents’ half, Phoenix were camped permanently in the final third.

There was one moment of relief for the students when a frustrated University stick clattered a Phoenix forward for a penalty to be awarded. The goalkeeper, hitherto left bereft by his defence, proved he at least was going to make amends and brought off a fine save.

However, this was all there was on the balance sheet for them.

Phoenix continued their relentless attacks and towards the end of the half scored three in as many minutes. In truth, with one goal disallowed, the penalty saved and various other near misses, this could have been a record scoreline for the visitors, perhaps the league.

It moved Phoenix top after week two, but coach Cowen is under no illusions about a very different proposition against Wapping away tomorrow.