Phoenix 4-1 Stansfeld FC

Phoenix produce dominant display to extend unbeaten run.

Phoenix vs Stansfeld FC

Phoenix Sports produced a scintillating second-half display to overturn an early setback and run out convincing 4-1 winners against Stansfeld, moving to within three points of the play-off places.

Phoenix made the worst possible start with Stansfeld striking inside two minutes. A slip at the back from Jake Goodman allowed Glenn Bain a sight of goal and the forward made no mistake, firing past Ryan McCourt for his second goal in as many games.

Phoenix responded well and could have been level moments later. Paul Lee broke through but was denied by a smart save, before Ahkeem Belford headed over from a dangerous Lyle Della Verde corner.

Chances continued to come, with Ben Morrison getting free down the left on 17 minutes, his powerful cross just evading the onrushing Jamarie Brissett.

The pressure told as the half wore on. Tyller Whitlock-Davis was played in by Harry Barnes but saw his effort saved, before Della Verde curled narrowly over. Phoenix finally got their reward four minutes before the break when Goodman’s flick-on was diverted into his own net by Stansfeld defender Kai Jeffrey to send the sides in level at the interval.

Phoenix carried that momentum into the second half and came agonisingly close to taking the lead straight after the restart, Belford crashing a header against the bar from another inswinging Della Verde corner.

The breakthrough arrived on 53 minutes in spectacular fashion.

Paul Lee picked up the ball 20 yards out and unleashed an unstoppable half-volley into the back of the net, this third goal in four games, to put Phoenix ahead.

Jake Goodman following victory over Stansfeld

Just four minutes later it was 3–1, Lee turning provider with a brilliant knock-down that Lyle Della Verde expertly guided home.

The home side were rampant and made it four on 67 minutes. Captain Ahkeem Belford capped a commanding performance with a flying header from yet another Della Verde corner, sealing a dominant second-half display.

There was also a welcome moment late on as Jerald Aboagye returned to action, replacing Whitlock-Davis on 80 minutes, before Goodman went close to adding a fifth with a header just wide.

At full-time it was Phoenix Sports 4–1 Stansfeld, a result that keeps the momentum firmly with the Sports as they move to within three points of the play-off positions.