Fisher 1-3 Phoenix

Efambe, Morrison and Della Verde on target in brilliant win

Ben Morrison in action for Phoenix

Phoenix produced a superb performance on Tuesday night, earning a brilliant 3–1 victory away at Fisher FC in what was arguably their best performance of the season so far.

The visitors started brightly and carved out the first clear chance after just five minutes when Ahkeem Belford’s long throw found Jerson Dos Santos, whose snap shot was well saved by Tommy Taylor in the Fisher goal.

Fisher responded with a break of their own soon after, forcing Claudio Boakye into a comfortable save, with the early exchanges were even and competitive.

Phoenix took a deserved lead in the 23rd minute through William Efambe. Harry Smart’s cross from the right was only half cleared, and Efambe reacted quickest to fire a superb left-footed strike into the net to make it 1–0. It was a confident finish and set the tone for a strong first half from the visitors.

Although Fisher began to apply more pressure as the interval approached, Phoenix’s defence, led by Jake Goodman, Jensen Grant and Belford held firm. Boakye showed great bravery shortly before half-time, punching away a dangerous cross under pressure, as Phoenix went into the break with their slender lead intact.

Early in the second half, the game was halted following a serious injury to midfielder Harry Smart, who was taken to hospital by ambulance and now faces a lengthy lay off. The long stoppage could have disrupted Phoenix’s rhythm, but they responded with real character once play resumed. Martin Youngah came on to replace Smart, and the team quickly regained their composure.

Phoenix doubled their advantage in the 75th minute with a wonderful goal from Ben Morrison. Picking up a clever pass from Harry Barnes, Morrison drove forward and unleashed a powerful low strike from outside the area that flew into the bottom corner to make it 2–0 - his first goal for Phoenix. Soon after, Jerald Aboagye and Tyler Anderson were introduced for Grant and Kristian Campbell to add fresh legs.

As Fisher pushed forward late on, goalkeeper Claudio Boakye produced a sensational double save to protect the lead. The goalkeeper tipped a close-range header round the post before diving low to his right to deny Jones through a crowded box. It was an outstanding display from the Phoenix keeper, whose brilliant reactions prevented it from being a more nervy evening.

With 14 minutes of added time to be played due to the earlier stoppage, Phoenix struck again to put the result beyond doubt. Two minutes into injury-time, midfielder Lyle Della-Verde fired in a stunning effort from 25 yards, his eighth goal of the season, finding the top corner with a powerful left-footed strike.

Phoenix were forced to finish the match with ten men after Ahkeem Belford took a heavy blow to the face with all substitutions already made. Fisher pulled one back deep into stoppage time when the ball ricocheted off Jake Goodman and into the net, but it was only a consolation on a night that belonged to Phoenix.

The final whistle confirmed a 3–1 victory. It was a superb away performance, overshadowed by the unfortunate injury to Smart who will face a spell on the sidelines.