MATCH REPORT: Margate 2-2 Phoenix

Excellent Phoenix earn a deserved point on the Kent Coast

Phoenix delivered a spirited performance to secure a well-earned point away at high-flying Margate on Saturday, with a Tyler Anderson strike and Dominic Morgan-Griffiths’ second-half stunner capping an impressive display.

Manager Darren Anslow made three changes to his starting lineup, bringing in Sam Freeman, Will Grieveson, and Marcus Elliott. Bradley Pritchard moved to the bench while Deshane Dalling and Richard Pingling were unavailable for selection.

The match began at a frantic pace, with early chances at both ends. Margate's former Phoenix star Ben Allen fired wide in the second minute, while Tyler Anderson came close moments later, forcing Margate goalkeeper Tom Wray into a smart save.

Debutant Phoenix goalkeeper Sam Freeman was called into action in the 11th minute, producing an excellent stop from a dangerous Margate free-kick.

However, Freeman could do nothing to prevent Ben Allen’s spectacular 25-yard half-volley in the 16th minute, which gave the hosts a 1-0 lead. Jack Turner couldn’t fully clear a long ball, and Allen looped a brilliant strike over Freeman and into the net.

Phoenix nearly fell further behind two minutes later, but Ahkeem Belford did brilliantly to clear a header off the line. At the other end, Isaac Thompson and Kiye Martin caused problems for Margate’s defence, with the visitors denied by a goal-line clearance and a blocked cross.

In the 29th minute, Phoenix found their equaliser. Thompson’s exquisite outside-of-the-foot pass released Anderson, who rounded Wray, sat down the last defender, and calmly slotted home to make it 1-1.

Phoenix pushed for a second and came agonisingly close in the 32nd minute, with Henry Griffin narrowly missing the target.

However, Margate controversially regained the lead in the 37th minute. Despite appearing offside, Tom Derry headed the ball across goal to Max Walsh, who fired into an empty net. Despite protests from Phoenix players and prolonged discussions, the goal stood, leaving the frustrated visitors trailing at the break.

Phoenix came out fighting in the second half, starting strongly and looking the more dangerous side. Thompson’s pace and creativity continued to cause Margate problems, while Perri Iandolo came close to levelling the scores with a low shot just wide of the post.

The equaliser eventually came in the 62nd minute. The excellent Dom Morgan-Griffiths played a quick one-two with Kiye Martin, controlled the return pass, swivelled, and unleashed a stunning half-volley that left Wray with no chance.

Just as Phoenix were building some momentum, Jack Turner suffered a nasty clash of heads and was replaced by Bradley Pritchard. The defender was conscious when he left the pitch but was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Pritchard wasn’t on for long, however, as a long ball over the top led to a tangle, and the former Charlton man was adjudged to have denied a goalscoring opportunity by the referee. The Phoenix bench was once again incensed, but Pritchard was sent off, leaving Darren Anslow’s men to play the last 20 minutes with 10 men.

Despite some sustained pressure Phoenix held firm, with Freeman making a vital save in stoppage time, flying across his goal to preserve a richly deserved point.

Phoenix face a visit from Erith Town on Tuesday night and you can secure your tickets online now.