Phoenix 6-1 Faversham Strike Force
Phoenix progress into the third round of the FA Vase with dominant performance
Phoenix Sports reached the third round of the FA Vase for the first time in 12 years with a brilliant team performance against Faversham Strike Force at the Christopher Russell Stadium.
Khayrie Harris scored a second hat-trick of the season, Jamarie Brissett struck twice and Isaac Hadlow netted a superb solo goal as Jake Goodman’s side recorded their eighth successive victory.
It was another outstanding collective display from Phoenix, who overcame a competitive first half before scoring four unanswered goals after the break to secure their place in the next round.
Phoenix created an early opening when Hadlow’s cross was not cleared, but Lyle Della-Verde dragged his effort wide. At the other end, there was a significant let-off when Ben Morrison’s overhit backpass struck the inside of the post.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute. Harry Barnes delivered an excellent ball over the top for Harris, who cut inside and smashed home to give Phoenix the lead.
Faversham responded positively, with Harry Taylor equalising seven minutes later. The visitors enjoyed a strong spell and threatened again when Kane Taylor fired narrowly wide.
Phoenix gradually regained the initiative, with Harris going close before another opportunity followed from the resulting corner.
Six minutes before half-time, Hadlow restored the lead with a magnificent individual goal. He surged past four Faversham players before finishing brilliantly, giving Phoenix a 2–1 advantage at the interval.
Phoenix made the perfect start to the second half, extending their lead just four minutes after the restart. Della-Verde’s incisive pass released Harris, who opened up his body and fired in off the post.
The quality of Phoenix’s attacking play continued to cause problems. Harris and Hadlow combined superbly just after the hour, only for a square pass across goal to be cleared.
The fourth arrived in the 70th minute through another excellent contribution from Hadlow. Winning possession and striding forward, he squared for Brissett to fire home.
Three minutes later, Brissett won a penalty and Harris emphatically dispatched the spot-kick in off the post to complete his hat-trick.
Phoenix continued to move the ball confidently and attack with purpose, adding a sixth in the final minute of normal time when Brissett smashed home his second.
It completed a memorable afternoon for Goodman’s side, whose quality, movement and combination play brought six goals, an eighth straight win and a first appearance in the third round of the FA Vase for 12 years.
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