Punjab 1-1 Phoenix

Phoenix earn battling point in Gravesend

Harry Smart in action for Phoenix

Phoenix Sports battled to a hard-earned point on Tuesday night as they drew 1-1 away at Punjab United in tight and edgy contest at the Steve Cook stadium.

The hosts came flying out of the blocks and Phoenix had debutant goalkeeper Claudio Boakye to thank in the early stages. Inside the opening three minutes, he tipped away a dangerous free-kick before producing an outstanding stop to palm clear a swerving long-range strike. 

Punjab continued to press and were unlucky not to take the lead when an inswinging corner clipped the top of the bar on 14 minutes.

Gradually, Phoenix began to settle into the game. Jerson Dos Santos caused problems down the left and cut the ball back for Lyle Della Verde, who curled an effort over. 

Six minutes later Punjab survived an almighty scare as a sliced clearance looped over the goalkeeper towards the net only for the crossbar to save them from a scoring the most calamitous of own goals. 

However, their relief was shortlived as from the resulting corner Phoenix made their breakthrough. Della Verde’s corner was met powerfully by captain Jake Goodman, who rose highest to head home and put the visitors in front - his fourth of the season. 

The lead could have been extended before the interval. Dos Santos was released by another superb Della Verde pass but fired wide, before Morrison’s dangerous low cross evaded everyone inside the six-yard box.

Phoenix went into half-time ahead but were pegged back shortly after the restart. Jack Hopkins struck from distance and, with the aid of a deflection off Ben Morrison, the ball flew past Boakye to level the scores at 1-1.

The game became increasingly scrappy with neither side able to produce a clear cut chance. Punjab were typically direct and Phoenix had to defend with concentration and bravery in equal measure.  

In the final minutes both sides reduced to ten men with Punjab’s George Monger was dismissed for a second yellow card on 80 minutes, while Phoenix’s Kristian Campbell followed him seven minutes later for a needless trip in the middle of the pitch. 

Despite late efforts from Ahkeem Belford and Della Verde, Phoenix were unable to find a winner and settled for a point that could prove useful come the end of the season.