Hollands & Blair 1-0 Phoenix

Phoenix fall to defeat in SCEFL season opener.

Phoenix vice captain Dom Morgan-Griffiths. Keith Gillard ©

Phoenix got their 2025/26 campaign underway this afternoon, but it wasn’t the start they were hoping for, as they fell to a 1–0 defeat against Hollands & Blair.

Darren Anslow’s men never really got going and looked a shadow of the side that had impressively beaten Romford just a week earlier.

With captain Jake Goodman and central midfielder Harry Barnes both unavailable, Phoenix lined up with Ahkeem Belford partnering Jensen Grant in central defence. Jerald Aboagye and Ben Morrison started as full-backs, while D’Sean Theobalds, who joined from Sittingbourne on Friday, slotted into midfield alongside Dom Morgan-Griffiths and Lyle Della Verde. The front three of Tyler Anderson, Jerson Dos Santos, and Will Efambe, who all enjoyed strong pre-seasons, led the attack.

It was the visitors who started on the front foot and made an early breakthrough, scoring after just six minutes. A well-delivered free-kick from Harry Linch floated into the box, where Kristian Wigg rose highest to head home from ten yards.

Blair continued to apply early pressure, and just four minutes later, a corner was only partially cleared by Sam Freeman. The ball fell to Vinnie Bowman, but his header dropped harmlessly over the bar.

The remainder of the first half saw Hollands & Blair in control without creating any meaningful chances, while Phoenix struggled to find rhythm or cohesion in their play. A penalty appeal was waved away shortly before half-time when Efambe's cross struck a Blair arm but that was the most notable moment for Darren Anslow's side.

After the break, the home side sat deeper and looked to hit Phoenix on the counter. Although Anslow’s side began to see more of the ball, they struggled to create clear-cut chances and their hosts continued to look the more likely scorers.

In the 61st minute, Kian Scott broke down the right and teed up Bowman inside the box, but his effort smashed into the side netting.

As Phoenix pushed for an equaliser, Scott again threatened, forcing Freeman into a smart save with a 25-yard dipping drive that the keeper tipped over the bar.

Phoenix’s best chance of the game came in the final minute of normal time. Ahkeem Belford delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Jerson Dos Santos rose highest but headed wide from a couple of yards out under pressure.

Despite six minutes of added time, Phoenix couldn’t find a leveller, and Hollands & Blair claimed all three points.

Next up for Phoenix Sports is a trip to Leatherhead in the FA Cup next Saturday, where they’ll be looking to bounce back with a much-improved display.