Phoenix 3-1 Chislehurst Glebe

Phoenix make it six wins from seven with Glebe win

Chris Wood ©

Phoenix Sports produced a stirring performance to claim a 3–1 victory over Chislehurst Glebe, with two-goal hero Jensen Grant delivering an outstanding display under incredibly difficult personal circumstances.

Having suffered a serious family bereavement just a day prior, Grant chose to play, and response was to produce a man-of-the-match display to help Phoenix to three crucial points.

Jake Goodman made two changes to the side that thrashed Snodland Town just 48 hours earlier with Seanan Mckillop and Kieron McCann coming in for Harry Barnes and Taylor Fisher.

Phoenix started brightly and nearly took the lead inside three minutes. Khayrie Harris whipped in a dangerous cross that flicked off Kieron McCann’s head and narrowly evaded Ben Morrison at the back post.

The pressure told in the 18th minute. After a string of corners, the ball dropped to McCann on the edge of the area, and he rifled a superb left-footed strike into the net to give Phoenix a deserved lead.

Ten minutes later, the advantage was doubled and it was a goal that meant plenty. McCann was played through by Harris but saw his effort well saved. Jamarie Brissett reacted quickly to keep the move alive, squaring for Jensen Grant, who calmly finished to make it 2-0 and point to the sky in celebration.

However, the game took a dramatic turn in the 37th minute when Brissett was shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident, leaving Phoenix to play the remainder of the match with ten men.

Despite the setback, Phoenix went into the break with a two-goal cushion.

Chislehurst Glebe responded after half-time and reduced the deficit in the 57th minute, as Frankie Sawyer side-footed home at the back post following a dangerous delivery across the six-yard box.

But Phoenix’s response was immediate and emphatic. Just three minutes later, McCann overlapped Eny Ezenwanne down the left and delivered a pinpoint cross for Grant, who rose highest to power a header in off the underside of the bar, restoring the two-goal lead and capping a remarkable individual performance.

From there, Phoenix showed resilience and discipline. Goalkeeper Ryan McCourt was called into action to deny Jamie Philpott, while Nathaniel Olawole fired over late on as the hosts continued to threaten on the break.

Despite being a man down for over half the match, Phoenix dug deep to see out the victory and secure an impressive three points and keep their play-off hopes alive.