PHOENIX 3-0 LANCING

Phoenix cruise through to the next round of the FA Vase

Phoenix are safely through to the next round of the FA Vase after a confident 3–0 victory over Lancing at the Christopher Russell Stadium this afternoon.

Goals from Will Efambe, Jerson Dos Santos and Harry Smart ensured progression, with Lyle Della Verde running the show in midfield and debutant Martin Youngah making an immediate impression.

Phoenix started brightly and quickly signalled their intent. On 13 minutes, Dos Santos got in behind the visitors’ backline only to drag his effort narrowly wide before forcing a decent save a few moments later. The home side’s threat was coming down the left, with Efambe repeatedly causing problems.

The breakthrough finally came on 32 minutes and it was richly deserved. Della Verde, dictating the tempo with his trademark guile, slid an incisive pass into Efambe, who calmly picked his spot from the edge of the box to put Phoenix in front.

The winger might have doubled his tally just before the interval, only to miscue his shot, but Phoenix went into half-time comfortably in control.

The second half began with chances at both ends. Dos Santos forced the Lancing goalkeeper into a smart stop, while the visitors went close with a speculative strike that cannoned off the crossbar.

That scare seemed to sharpen Phoenix’s focus and, just after the hour, they doubled their lead. Dos Santos pounced on a handling error from the keeper, showing great awareness to nip in and roll the ball into the net for 2–0.

Efambe remained lively and went close with a curling strike, before departing to a warm ovation, replaced by Stanley Mills. The substitute immediately looked dangerous, creating an opportunity for Ellis Procter with a teasing cross.

Moments later, Phoenix sealed the game. Youngah, on his debut, pressed aggressively to win possession high up the pitch before squaring for Smart, who coolly slotted home with his first touch.

There was still time for more promise from the young substitutes, with Mills and Ben Morrison combining late on, only for Mills to be denied by a sharp save.

At full time, Phoenix could reflect on a professional and dominant performance. With Della Verde pulling the strings, Efambe impressing out wide, and new faces making an impact, the side will head into the next round full of confidence. Phoenix now look forward to a home tie against Sporting Bengal in the next stage of the competition.

Next up for Darren Anslow’s men is a visit from Erith & Belvedere on Monday afternoon. Tickets are now available for the match here