Match Preview: Hollands & Blair vs Phoenix

Phoenix travel to Gillingham to kick-off the 2025/26 season

Phoenix Sports begin their 2025/26 Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign this Saturday, 26 July, with a challenging away fixture at Hollands & Blair. Kick-off at the Star Meadow Sports Complex is scheduled for 3pm, as Darren Anslow’s side look to lay down an early marker in their push for promotion back to Step Four.

After a productive pre-season that saw encouraging performances, improved fitness levels, and several new faces added to the squad, Phoenix enter the new campaign with confidence and purpose. The squad now boasts a mix of experience at this level and beyond, as well as ambitious young talent ready to make their mark.

The trip to Gillingham will provide the first real test of where the team stands, and just how ready they are to hit the ground running.

Saturday's opponents, Hollands & Blair, will offer a stern challenge. The Kent side secured a mid-table finish last season and have used the summer break to strengthen key areas.

Phoenix boss Darren Anslow will be keen to see his side set the tone early, with hopes of mounting a serious promotion challenge over the coming months. Fans can expect a competitive and high-energy contest between two sides with ambitions of climbing the table.

With sunny skies forecast, supporters can make the short trip to ME7, get behind the team, and help create a strong away following on opening day.

Match Information

📍 Star Meadow Sports Complex, Gillingham

🆚 Hollands & Blair

📅 Saturday 26 July 2025

🕒 Kick-off: 3:00 PM

🎟 Tickets available on the gate

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