Phoenix 3-0 Rusthall
Phoenix earn first clean sheet of the season with impressive win over Rusthall.
Phoenix Sports completed an unbeaten week in style with an impressive 3-0 victory over Rusthall FC at the Christopher Russell Stadium on Saturday.
Goals from Jamarie Brissett and Khayrie Harris gave Phoenix a commanding half-time lead before Harry Barnes added a third in stoppage time. The result made it two wins and a draw from three consecutive home fixtures for Jake Goodman’s side.
Phoenix made the perfect start by opening the scoring after just two minutes. Louie Downey did brilliantly to win possession high up the pitch before squaring the ball to Brissett, who kept his composure and placed his finish beyond the goalkeeper.
Brissett continued to cause the Rusthall defence problems and came inches away from doubling the advantage eight minutes later. The forward created space before striking the post with an inventive effort using the outside of his foot.
Phoenix somehow remained only one goal ahead after another pair of opportunities fell Brissett’s way in the 16th minute. His first attempt was smothered by the advancing goalkeeper before Jake Goodman played him through moments later, only for his shot to strike the opposite post.
Rusthall offered their first threat of the afternoon after 20 minutes when Jack Kirby delivered a cross towards Josh Reid, but his effort lacked the power required to trouble Damian Niemczycki.
Having passed up several opportunities to extend their lead, Phoenix eventually found the second goal their performance deserved in the 33rd minute.
Brissett turned provider with an excellent pass into the path of Khayrie Harris, who produced a superb finish by lifting the ball into the roof of the net.
Lyle Della-Verde almost added a third shortly before the interval, sending a powerful free-kick narrowly over the crossbar with the goalkeeper appearing beaten.
Phoenix went into half-time with a deserved two-goal advantage following one of their strongest attacking displays of the season.
Rusthall responded after the break and enjoyed more possession as they attempted to find a route back into the contest. Phoenix remained disciplined, however, and restricted the visitors to very few clear-cut opportunities.
Ahkeem Belford produced an outstanding performance at the heart of the defence, while Billy Muckle worked tirelessly in midfield as Phoenix protected their lead.
Phoenix made their first change after 63 minutes, introducing Harry Barnes in place of the excellent Della-Verde. Six minutes later, Bobby Hassell made his Phoenix debut after joining the club on a work-experience loan from Bromley, replacing Downey.
Tom Borders entered the action in place of Goodman with 10 minutes remaining before 16-year-old Sebastian Levenson replaced the impressive Brissett, who received a warm reception following an impressive individual display.
Phoenix completed the scoring in the first minute of stoppage time. Barnes whipped a free-kick into the penalty area from the left, and the delivery evaded the Rusthall goalkeeper before finding its way over the line.
The goal capped a convincing victory and secured a deserved clean sheet for Phoenix, who have now collected two wins and a draw from their last three matches.
Goodman’s side will look to continue their improved run of form when they travel to face Erith & Belvedere on Wednesday evening.
Phoenix Sports: Niemczycki, Belford, Thompson, Goodman (Borders 80’), Hadlow, Olusesi, Muckle, Downey (Hassell 69’), Della-Verde (Barnes 63’), Brissett (Levenson 86’), Harris.
Goals: Brissett 2’, Harris 33’, Barnes 90+1’.
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