PHOENIX 3-2 BEARSTED

Will Efambe scores late winner for Phoenix in win over second-placed Bearsted.

Phoenix fought back to claim a 3–2 victory over Bearsted in a lively encounter at the Christopher Russell Stadium on Saturday.

Darren Anslow’s men started on the front foot, pressing high and forcing errors in the Bearsted backline. Harry Smart shot over the bar after five minutes before he broke through and won a penalty shortly after.

Lyle Della Verde stepped up, but his effort from 12 yards was brilliantly saved by Chris Swift. The resulting corner almost flew straight in, but Phoenix’s luck was out.

The miss was made worse 10 minutes later when Bearsted won themselves a penalty against the run of play, as Jensen Grant was adjudged to have fouled Nathan Light in the box. It was clever play from the forward, who dusted himself down and fired high to Sam Freeman’s left.

It didn’t take long for Phoenix to get back on terms, with Jerson Dos Santos scoring a smart finish after Jake Goodman headed a Della Verde free-kick across goal.

A topsy-turvy first period ended with Phoenix falling behind again, as a long throw into the box was flicked on and Sam Stace found space to rifle home just before half-time.

Phoenix didn’t roll over, and five minutes after the restart Jerald Aboagye pounced on a mis-hit cross from Harry Smart to fire home a half-volley.

Both sides were reduced to ten men after an innocuous challenge from Harry Barnes infuriated the Bearsted players, before Phoenix found the winner.

Substitute Will Efambe drove into the box, tied a defender in knots, then fired an unstoppable shot high into the roof of Swift’s net at the near post to put Phoenix ahead for the first time.

The closing stages were tense, with both sides pushing for another goal, and it was Phoenix who came closest when Kristian Campbell forced a great stop from Swift.

Bearsted hardly had time to get the ball back upfield before the referee blew his whistle for full-time, sealing the points for Phoenix. Next up is a trip to Stansfeld on Tuesday 9 September (7.45pm).