MATCH REPORT: BURGESS HILL 2-1 PHOENIX

Phoenix suffer late heartbreak in West Sussex.

Phoenix Sports suffered heartbreak in Sussex as Burgess Hill Town produced a dramatic late comeback to snatch all three points at the death.

Phoenix paid the price for not killing their opponents off, having been the better side for most of the game. The defeat means they will need Littlehampton to slip up at least once in the remaining five games.

Darren Anslow made one change to the side that drew with Ashford a week ago, with Cameron Andrews, who signed for Phoenix on loan from Welling on Thursday, replacing Kiye Martin in midfield.

The visitors started brightly and frustrated their third-placed hosts, who struggled to create any clear-cut chances in the first 45 minutes.

Phoenix took the lead in style in the 28th minute, with Andrews marking his debut in spectacular fashion—rifling home a stunning half-volley from the edge of the box to put the Sports ahead.

Phoenix could, and maybe should, have doubled their advantage before the break. Jerson Dos Santos did brilliantly to win the ball on the left and cut inside the area, but his effort was straight at Slav Huk in the Burgess Hill goal.

At the other end, Sam Freeman was called into action just before half-time, making a good save to tip away a dangerous header from Chris Whelpdale and preserve Phoenix’s lead at the interval.

The second half saw Phoenix continue to push forward. Tyler Anderson delivered a pinpoint cross for Ahkeem Belford, who volleyed high over the bar. Minutes later, Anderson’s delivery was met by Efambe, whose header at goal was well saved by Huk to keep his side in the contest.

Burgess Hill grew into the game and created a rare opportunity in the 62nd minute when Whelpdale’s acrobatic effort landed on the roof of the net. Phoenix made a change soon after, with Isaac Thompson replacing Anderson for the final stretch.

Despite controlling large portions of the match, Phoenix were dealt the cruellest of blows in the closing stages. In the 88th minute, Brannon laid the ball off to substitute Stefan Vukoje, who fired a powerful strike into the corner to level the score.

Then, in stoppage time, Burgess Hill stole victory in dramatic fashion. Nathan Cooper, who has been a thorn in Phoenix’s side already this season, peeled off Belford and volleyed home the winner to leave the visitors shell-shocked.

A gut-wrenching result for Phoenix, who had been the better side for much of the contest but left West Sussex empty-handed, needing a big response against Beckenham Town on Tuesday night.