Phoenix 4-3 Billingshurst FC
Phoenix progress to the First Round of the FA Vase with win over Billingshurst.
Phoenix Sports survived a spirited late fightback from Billingshurst to secure their place in the First Round of the FA Vase with a thrilling 4-3 victory at the Christopher Russell Stadium.
Debutant goalkeeper Damian Niemczycki replaced Ryan McCourt in goal while Louie Downey, Jake Goodman and Lyle Della Verde also started.
Niemczycki was called into action after only three minutes, producing an excellent save to tip away a close-range effort following a quick Billingshurst break.
The visitors did take the lead in the 11th minute when Tosin Dada found space inside the area and fired past Niemczycki at his near post.
It was exactly the start the hosts had wanted to avoid, but thankfully they responded.
Almost immediately Khayrie Harris was presented with a great opportunity from eight yards, but his effort was brilliantly kept out by Billingshurst goalkeeper Ollie Courtney.
Jake Goodman’s side continued to probe, with Della-Verde’s cross appearing destined for the far corner until a visiting defender headed it off the line.
The pressure finally told in the 32nd minute. Della-Verde played an excellent through ball into the path of Jamarie Brissett, who thumped his finish beyond Courtney to draw Phoenix level.
Just three minutes later, Phoenix completed the turnaround in spectacular fashion. Della-Verde collected possession around 25 yards from goal and unleashed a trademark strike that flew into the net.
Phoenix had found their rhythm and added a third before the interval. Steve Townsend’s free-kick took a deflection and dropped for captain Ahkeem Belford, who reacted quickly to rifle the ball home.
Phoenix took a two-goal cushion into the break.
The hosts began the second half strongly, with Brissett and Townsend both forcing early saves from Courtney.
Phoenix should have extended their advantage in the 52nd minute when Townsend produced some excellent work before cutting the ball back to Damilola Olusesi. His shot was cleared off the line, however, before Harris volleyed the rebound over the crossbar.
Goodman made his first changes shortly after the hour, introducing Isaac Hadlow and Lee Bird in place of Della-Verde and Louie Downey.
The fourth goal eventually arrived in the 67th minute. Harris saw his initial effort blocked, but Townsend was perfectly positioned to meet the loose ball with a brilliant volley and seemingly put the tie beyond Billingshurst.
However, the visitors refused to surrender and pulled one back just two minutes later. A long throw caused problems inside the Phoenix penalty area and Matt Rendell’s header found the net via a scruffy deflection.
Phoenix began to lose the control they had enjoyed for much of the contest.
Billingshurst reduced the deficit again from the penalty spot in the 78th minute after a foul by Olusesi setting up a tense finale at the Christopher Russell Stadium.
The visitors then came close to completing an unlikely comeback when Dada broke through on goal, but Niemczycki marked his debut with another important save to preserve Phoenix’s slender advantage.
Phoenix made harder work of the closing stages than appeared necessary, but held firm to secure a 4–3 victory and progress to the next round of the FA Vase.
The draw for the First Round will take place on Monday.
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