MATCH PREVIEW: PHOENIX vs ASHFORD UNITED

Phoenix Sports Media
Mar 21
2 min read

Everything you need to know ahead of the visit of Ashford on National Non League Day

Having temporarily climbed out of the relegation zone last weekend, Phoenix face a visit from Ashford United on Saturday (3pm) in another crucial match at the Christopher Russell Stadium.

Darren Anslow’s side secured a hard-fought point against Broadbridge Heath last time out and they will be looking to extend thier unbeaten run to four games against Ashford.

Littlehampton’s victory over Croydon in midweek means Phoenix are now back inside the relegation zone, two points behind their nearest rivals with a game in hand. It could hardly be closer as we head into a nail-biting last eight games of the season with Step Four survival on the line for Phoenix.

TEAM NEWS

Phoenix have no fresh injury worries to contend with ahead of Saturday's clash with Ashford and will be hoping to do the league double over Lloyd Hume's men having won 3-1 in the reverse fixture in December.

THE OPPOSITION

Ashford currently sit 10th in the table, 17 points away from the play-offs and 19 points off the relegation zone. They have enjoyed a strong run of home form lately having enjoyed impressive 2-1 wins of Burgess Hill Town and Sheppey United. Their away form has been slightly more patchy having picked up 1 point from their last 15 available on their travels. Gary Lockyer has been in fine form for Ashford scoring 26 goals in all competitions. Taite Holtam who played for Phoenix earlier in the season is currently on loan at Ashford.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

When the two teams met earlier in the season, a double from Isaac Thompson and a late strike from Will Efambe helped Phoenix to a 3-1 win. Last season, Phoenix did the double over Ashford with 5-3 and 3-1 wins.