PHOENIX 2-4 SNODLAND

Phoenix left to rue disastrous first 30 minutes and fall to Snodland defeat

Phoenix Sports fell to a 4–2 home defeat against Snodland Town in a dramatic and frustrating afternoon that had everything — own goals, missed chances, six goals and even a lightning delay.

The visitors took the lead inside seven minutes when a hopeful cross into the box was inadvertently headed into his own net by Jensen Grant. Things got worse ten minutes later as Charlie Sheringham doubled Snodland’s advantage, meeting Emmanuel Shoderu’s delivery with a firm header.

Phoenix tried to respond through Lyle Della-Verde, who fired narrowly over from distance, but Snodland struck again on 27 minutes. A long free-kick wasn’t dealt with, and Harry Hudson pounced to make it 3–0.

Just when it looked like Phoenix were out of the contest, they roared back. Della-Verde’s corner flew directly into the net on 29 minutes to spark hope, before Jake Goodman powered home from another set piece on 40 minutes to reduce the deficit to 3–2 at the break.

Phoenix thought they had equalised midway through the second half when Jerson Dos Santos’ header was brilliant saved just before the ball crossed the line. Phoenix claimed the ball had crossed the line but the officials waved play on. It proved costly as, moments later, Snodland broke away and restored their two-goal cushion through former VCD man Nathaniel Olawole.

The game was briefly halted in the 77th minute due to lightning, but Phoenix came out firing after the restart. Substitute Harry Smart went clean through on goal only to be denied, before Goodman and Ahkeem Belford both spurned golden opportunities in a remarkable passage of play.

There was more controversy late on when Grant’s header was ruled out for an alleged foul by Jerald Aboagye on the goalkeeper — a decision that left Phoenix furious.

Despite their spirited fightback and a string of missed chances, Phoenix were left to rue their slow start as Snodland claimed the points.