Snodland Town 1-5 Phoenix

Phoenix cruise to brilliant away victory at Snodland on Saturday.

Chris Wood ©

Phoenix Sports produced one of their standout performances of the season on Saturday, dismantling Snodland Town with a ruthless 5-1 victory away from home to keep their play-off ambitions alive.

From the first whistle, Phoenix’s pacey forwards caused Snodland’s backline problems and it didn’t take long for the breakthrough to arrive.

The visitors set the tone in the 12th minute through a moment of pure quality from Khayrie Harris. Cutting in from range, he unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from 25 yards that rocketed into the top corner - a late contender for goal of the season and a dream start for Phoenix.

Phoenix doubled their advantage on 27 minutes, and it was Jamarie Brissett who made it count. Showing composure and skill, he rounded the goalkeeper before finishing emphatically from a tight angle to cap a dominant opening spell.

Just five minutes later, Brissett struck again. Played through by Ben Morrison, he stepped inside and calmly slotted home from 20 yards, the ball squeezing through the legs of defender Liam Friend for the forwards 12th of the season. At 3-0, Phoenix were in complete control and showing no signs of slowing down.

The fourth arrived just before the break following another sweeping move. Brissett turned provider this time, bursting down the right, nutmegging his marker, and squaring for Taylor Fisher, who fired into the roof of the net.

There was still time for one more before half-time. Deep into stoppage time, Harris led a rapid counterattack and slipped in Harry Barnes, who delicately dinked the ball over the keeper to make it five. Phoenix went into the interval with a commanding 5-0 lead after a devastating 45 minutes with home supporters shell shocked.

Phoenix made a change at the restart, with Lyle Della Verde replacing Harry Barnes, as they looked to manage the game.

There was a brief moment of concern when Snodland pulled a goal back in the 54th minute in somewhat fortunate fashion, as a looping cross from Zak Loveridge found its way into the net. However, it proved little more than a consolation.

On 66 minutes, Nathaniel Olawole was introduced for Brissett, marking his debut after an excellent performance from the two-goal forward. Phoenix continued to threaten on the break while maintaining control, absorbing any late pressure with a calm composure.

Despite a brief spell of pressure from the hosts, Phoenix comfortably saw out the match to secure a hugely important three points on the road.

The result lifts Phoenix into sixth place and keeps their play-off hopes alive, with Chislehurst Glebe next up for Phoenix on Easter Monday.