Phoenix 1-0 Holmesdale FC

Phoenix score late to earn crucial win over Holmesdale

Chris Wood ©

Phoenix Sports strengthened their push towards the play-off places with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Holmesdale, moving to within three points of the top five and up to eighth in the table.

It was Phoenix who started on the front foot and created the first opening on 12 minutes, as Jamarie Brissett fired over from just outside the box.

The hosts continued to probe, and midway through the half Khayrie Harris showed neat footwork down the right before picking out Brissett, whose flicked effort was comfortably saved.

The pressure kept building, and on 32 minutes Taylor Fisher saw a well-struck free-kick expertly kept out by Charlie Wealands. Phoenix remained on top, carving out another good chance just before the break when Paul Lee turned smartly in the box, only to drag his shot wide.

Despite their dominance, the sides went into the interval level.

Phoenix began the second half a little sluggishly but still looked the more likely to break the deadlock. Fisher’s dangerous cross flashed across goal on 53 minutes, while a long throw from Belford soon after dropped to Brissett, who couldn’t make the connection.

Just past the hour mark, the pressure intensified. Goodman powered his way through the Holmesdale defence and found Brissett, whose effort deflected wide. From the resulting corner, Belford fired over as Phoenix continued to knock on the door.

A double substitution on 70 minutes saw Seanan McKillop and Lyle Della Verde introduced, and the change proved decisive.

With 11 minutes remaining, Phoenix found their breakthrough. A superb ball from McKillop released Harris down the flank, and he unselfishly squared for Jensen Grant, who made no mistake in smashing home from close range to give the hosts a deserved lead.

They nearly added a second in the 85th minute when Ben Morrison led a stunning 50-yard break, but his effort was saved and Brissett was unable to convert the rebound.

The hosts held firm in the closing stages to secure a vital three points, continuing their strong run and keeping the pressure on the teams above them in the race for the play-offs.

It will now be a pivotal Easter weekend for Phoenix with a trip to Snodland Town on Saturday followed by a home visit of Chislehurst Glebe 48 hours later.