Match Preview: Phoenix vs Rusthall
- Phoenix Sports Media
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Rusthall visit the Christopher Russell Stadium on Saturday
Phoenix are back at home on Saturday for the first time since the end of January as Jake Goodman’s men kick off a make-or-break month against promotion-chasing Rusthall.
As well as Rusthall, Phoenix will face Larkfield & New Hythe, Hollands & Blair, Tunbridge Wells and Holmesdale in a month that will likely determine the direction of their season.
Jake Goodman’s side lost for the first time in nine matches at Greenwich Borough on Tuesday night, but they have drawn five of their last six league games. They know they now require an extended run of wins if they are to threaten the division’s top five, and will want to start that run at home on Saturday.
When the two sides met earlier in the season, Phoenix were extremely unlucky to leave Jockey Farm with nothing, as an 85th-minute winner from Daniel Blunn and an inspired display from goalkeeper Serine Sanneh helped Rusthall to a 1–0 victory.
Kieron McCann, Taylor Fisher, Khayrie Harris and Tyller Davis-Whitlock are available again after being cup-tied for Tuesday night’s SCEFL Challenge Cup tie. Phoenix captain Ahkeem Belford is available before serving a three-match ban, which will rule him out of fixtures against Larkfield, Hollands & Blair and Tunbridge Wells. Jahmal Hector-Ingram faces a late fitness test and could make his debut on Saturday.
Rusthall have endured a tricky spell, winning just once in their last five games. During that period, they have faced league leaders Whitstable Town twice and beat Larkfield 2–1 on Tuesday night to reach the final of the SCEFL Challenge Cup.
Their star man has been Louie Clarke, who has scored 16 goals this season, while Charlie Clover has found the net 12 times - when he is not going viral for fixing floodlights.
The playing surface is fresh from a week off and in great condition, so Phoenix will hope a return to home comforts helps them secure all three points on Saturday.
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. With a larger than usual attendance expected we're expecting it to be busier than usual.
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 tickets are valid for this game and you can read the online matchday below:
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