PHOENIX 1 WALTHAM FOREST II 5

East League 3SE

A tough season got tougher for Phoenix Hockey club men’s first-team as they entertained league leaders Waltham Forest and were given no respite.

Both sides were organised, played quick ball and did so with a degree of ability, particularly recycling the ball at the back and pushing the game line high.

The initial sparring was on both flanks as the teams looked to their pace men to get in behind and cause trouble.

Both sides created chances and Phoenix should have gone ahead but an amazing goal-line clearance by a Forest defender stopped them.

Harry Fitzjohn was active in goal as Forest forwards darted in and forced saves.

Forest were very quick up front and their movement in numbers was clever but they were unable to score from open play and when they did take the lead, it came from forcing a corner and converting.

Phoenix were back at them within minutes, though, when a very good move down the left wing caught Forest napping and the ball was squared to captain Sam Marlborough, who equalised with a superb finish into the top corner.

The second half started brightly for Phoenix as corners were won and they looked threatening.

As they recycled the ball, though, an unfortunate error allowed a Forest forward to seize his chance to score the second.

To make matters worse a green card was issued as the defender tried to stop the shot.

Now a sin bin offence, Phoenix were down to ten and Forest took advantage of their extra man.

They were allowed to in part as Phoenix didn’t reorganise quickly enough and should have dealt with the situation better.

The focus that had been apparent in the first half dropped for ten minutes and in that time they conceded another two goals.

To their credit Forest were hungry for goals and went for the jugular.

They had very quick, skilful, forwards and the artillery behind the attacks was precise so that Phoenix were pulled off station and paid the price.

The game was settled and Phoenix could have scored but the damage was done.

While the scoreline ended very much with Forest, this was a close-fought game until mid-way through the second half and proved Phoenix can improve their position.

Much as this was a positive, it was cold comfort for coach Waspe on the day, though.