Phoenix 1-0 Larkfield & New Hythe
Harry Barnes penalty helps Phoenix to third win in a row.
Phoenix battled to a 1-0 victory over Larkfield & New Hythe at the Christopher Russell Stadium on Saturday, with Harry Barnes’ first-half penalty proving decisive in a match that went right to the final moments.
After beating Erith & Belvedere 3-2 away from home with ten men on Wednesday night, Phoenix made one change to their starting side. Barnes came in for Louie Downey as Jake Goodman’s team looked to make it three consecutive league wins.
The visitors made the brighter start. Phoenix struggled to settle and spent much of the opening quarter of an hour trying to get a foothold in the game. Larkfield’s best early opportunity came after a dangerous corner, but the resulting effort flew high and wide.
Phoenix gradually began to offer more going forward, with Jamarie Brissett at the heart of their best attacking play. His neat touch set up Lyle Della Verde in the 26th minute, although the midfielder’s volley was directed straight at Larkfield goalkeeper Connor Collins.
Four minutes later, Brissett helped create the breakthrough. He did well to work the ball into the area, where Khayrie Harris was brought down and the referee pointed to the spot.
Barnes took responsibility and struck his spot kick high into the net, giving Collins no chance. It was his second goal in as many home games.
Phoenix could have doubled their lead almost immediately. Brissett produced another strong run and forced a save from Collins, before the rebound was somehow cleared from underneath the crossbar. It was a narrow escape for Larkfield and left the hosts with a slender advantage at the interval.
Goodman made a change at half-time, sending on Steve Townsend in place of Isaac Hadlow. Phoenix continued to look for a second goal and went close on the hour when Ricardo Thompson struck an effort that appeared destined for the net. Collins reacted brilliantly to tip it over the bar and keep his side in the contest.
As the second half wore on, Larkfield began to apply more pressure. Phoenix, who had worked hard to secure their ten-man win at Erith & Belvedere just three days earlier, had to defend with discipline as the visitors pushed for an equaliser. Della Verde picked up a knock to his back and was replaced by Bobby Hassell in the 78th minute.
The decisive defensive moment came four minutes into stoppage time. A Larkfield corner was headed towards goal, forcing Damian Niemczycki into a superb save. The danger was not over: the rebound fell close to the line, where Barnes made a crucial block to protect the lead.
Having scored the winner at one end and helped preserve it at the other, Barnes capped a determined team performance as Phoenix held on for all three points and their third successive league victory and moved up to 8th in the table.
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