MATCH REPORT: Herne Bay 0-2 Phoenix

Phoenix produce dominant display over step-four opponents

© Herne Bay FC

Phoenix Sports turned in an impressive display on Saturday afternoon as they recorded a convincing 2-0 win over Step Four opponents Herne Bay FC in their third pre-season outing of 2025/26. Goals from Ahkeem Belford and Will Efambe capped off a dominant first-half performance in a game that could have seen an even wider scoreline.

Herne Bay started brightly and could have taken an early lead in the 5th minute when Alfie Bloomfield’s header was gathered comfortably by Phoenix keeper Sam Freeman. But that would prove to be one of the few moments of concern for Darren Anslow’s side, who quickly took control.

Phoenix began asserting themselves around the quarter-hour mark, with the lively Efambe threatening the Herne Bay defence. On 15 minutes, he broke through after a slick move but was denied at the last moment by an outstanding covering tackle. Just two minutes later, Efambe and Belford combined brilliantly on the left before Tyler Anderson volleyed narrowly wide at the near post.

Jerson Dos Santos, leading the line with strength and intelligence, proved a constant menace and was unlucky not to open the scoring on 27 minutes when he burst through one-on-one, only to be denied by Herne Bay keeper Coleman. Moments later, Efambe forced another fine save with a long-range effort, and Dos Santos again went close after rounding the keeper but saw his shot tipped wide.

The breakthrough finally came in the 42nd minute. Belford rose highest to meet a Phoenix corner, powering home a deserved opener for the home side. Just three minutes later, the lead was doubled in style. A poor Herne Bay clearance landed at Belford’s feet, and the winger cleverly flicked it into the path of Efambe, who rifled an unstoppable strike in off the post.

Herne Bay made four changes at the break and sought to mount a response. In the 53rd minute, Kane Haysman found space from a corner but couldn’t keep his header down. Substitute Johann Ter Horst linked up well with Bloomfield midway through the half, only to be denied by Freeman at the near post.

Phoenix remained in control, managing the game well and limiting Herne Bay to half chances. The visitors came close in the 88th minute when a long-range shot from Christian-Law was blocked, and the rebound fell to Heard, who fired over.

The full-time whistle confirmed a well-earned victory for Phoenix, their second win of pre-season, with promising performances across the pitch and further signs of sharpness and cohesion building ahead of the new campaign.

Scorers: Phoenix – Belford (42’), Efambe (45’)