Leatherhead 2-2 Phoenix

Phoenix lose two-goal lead but force FA Cup replay against Leatherhead.

Tyler Anderson battles for possession. Leatherhead FC ©

Phoenix Sports put in a determined and enterprising performance at Fetcham Grove on Saturday, earning a fully deserved replay after a 2–2 draw in their FA Cup clash with Leatherhead.

Phoenix came flying out of the blocks and took early control of the game, unsettling the hosts with their pace in attack and physicality at the back. Their attacking intent paid off almost immediately with two quick-fire goals that silenced the home crowd.

The opener arrived in the sixth minute following a flowing move down the left. A sharp buildup culminated in striker Jerson Dos Santos finding space in the box, and slotted the ball home from close range to put Phoenix ahead.

Phoenix doubled their lead just eight minutes later. A dangerous corner into the six-yard box caused chaos in the Leatherhead defence, and when the ball wasn’t cleared, centre-back Jake Goodman reacted quickest to bundle it over the line and make it 2–0.

Leatherhead pushed forward looking for a response, but Phoenix stood tall under pressure, with Sam Freeman making smart stops and commanding his area well.

The home side reshuffled at the break and got themselves back into the game early in the second half. A penalty was awarded on 47 minutes after Nathan Hogan was tripped in the box, and substitute Jacob Breckon made no mistake from the spot.

Leatherhead now firmly in the ascendancy found an equaliser on the hour mark as Anas Igozouln broke down the right from a Phoenix corner and squared for Hogan to finish past Freeman and make it 2–2.

Despite the momentum shift, Phoenix refused to back down. The team remained well-organised and dangerous on the counter, with Tyler Anderson’s pace causing the hosts problems.

Anderson was cynically brought down just past halfway, earning a yellow card for James McLeod as Phoenix looked to launch another attack.

In the closing stages, Leatherhead created a few late chances, but Phoenix showed great resilience to see out six minutes of added time and ensure the tie will be settled back at Mayplace Ground on Monday night.

It was a performance full of character and quality and the sides will meet again with the replay taking place at the Christopher Russell Ground on Monday (7.45pm). Tickets are now available for the replay here.