MATCH PREVIEW: PHOENIX VS LANCING

Lancing visit the Christopher Russell stadium for FA Vase clash

FA Vase action comes to Phoenix Sports on Saturday as Darren Anslow’s side host Lancing FC (3pm) in the First Qualifying Round of the competition.

Lancing have had a disappointing start to their league campaign having played three and lost three, most recently finishing up on the wrong end of a 4-3 thriller at Steyning Town. Their cup form has been more impressive however with Dean Cox’s side picking up wins over Crawley Down and Harefield United in the preliminary rounds of the FA Cup.

Following a 2024/25 that ended in some turmoil for Lancing, they turned to Cox to improve their fortunes in 2025/26 and he’ll be hoping to build on their impressive cup form at the Christopher Russell Stadium on Saturday

Last season’s encounters between the two sides were cagey affairs with the most recent league meeting in November ending in a 3-1 win for Phoenix with Richard Pingling and Deshane Dalling both on the scoresheet.

Speaking in the official match programme Phoenix boss Darren Anslow  said:

'The challenge I’ve set the players is clear: raise the bar and keep it there. We know what we’re working towards as a group and now it’s about delivering consistent performances that reflect our ambitions.'

The Christopher Russell Stadium is easily accessible on public transport:

• By train: Barnehurst Station is just a 10-minute walk from the ground—this line runs regularly through Travelcard Zone 5

• By bus: The 492 stops directly outside the ground

• From central London: A direct Southeastern train from Charing Cross to Barnehurst takes around 40 minutes

There is parking in the school opposite the ground parking in the side streets that surround the ground.

Tickets for the match are available online here via the Fanbase app or by cash and card on the gate. Tickets are priced at:

Adults - £10

Over 65s - £5

U16s - FREE

Season ticket holders will need to purchase a ticket for the match as it’s an FA Vase fixture.

You can read the free online digital matchday programme here.