Well new season, new leagues, new teams and lots of new players for Phoenix and it all started in on Saturday 6 September.

For the new Under 9 Boys, the Under 11 girls and the county team we have to wait a little longer but everybody else eagerly kicked off and did Phoenix Fly? They most certainly did with some excellent results to prove it.

Saturday 6 September 2014

Evesham United 3 v 1 Wyre Forest Phoenix Girls

The Under 13's took an early lead in the 7th minute after a whipped in corner from Chloe Reading was fumbled into the Evesham net. Quickly after Evesham replied when the Phoenix defence failed to clear the ball. The game was very even with both sides having chances to extend their lead however it remained 1-1 at half time.

Phoenix came out sloppy after the break and had to fend off some fierce pressure from Evesham early on. Another well worked corner from Chloe Reading found Jazmin Cartwright on the edge of the area who saw her volley come crashing off the post. With 15 minutes to go a speculative shot from Evesham ended up in the bottom corner after Phoenix had failed to close the player down. Having 6 substitutes meant that phoenix could never really get any sort of rhythm going and as they pushed forward for an equaliser they were caught out at the  back in the very last minute to make it 3-1 to Evesham to finish. Goals:Chloe Reading (1)

The score line did not reflect a good performance from Phoenix who battled hard but some silly errors allowed Evesham to snatch all 3 points. Girl of the game went to Jessica Jenkins.

Sedgley Scorpions 0 v 15 Wyre Forest Phoenix Girls Flyers

The Under 14’s played their first game of the new season, in a new league (Central Warwickshire Girls) and a new format (11v11) and were off to a flying start.   

The Flyers started fast and strong and Sydney Harris got a shot off after just a minute.  Some great team work and a lovely cross helped Fleur Connolly get the first goal after 3 minutes. Good work by Sedgley and their keeper denied Erin Price after 10 minutes with the goalie saving the shot and the rebound. There were some lovely moves and skills on show as Fleur got a further 2 goals for her hat trick, Courtney Stringer crossing in for Fleur’s Header, Lucy McLatchy got 2, Ellie Jones 1, Sydney a Hat trick, and Erin one . Subs were regularly made to give everybody a chance, and it was soon Half Time score 10-0.

Phew! The girls took full advantage of the half time break and on the restart the squad was mixed up a little with Charlotte & Megan Morris up front, Chloe Brown and Emily Nash in Mid Field, and Fleur, Sydney and Lucy on the bench. The second half started with as much pace from the Flyers as in the first half, with Brooke Harris being denied by the Sedgley goalie. With Continuing Subs Amber Austin Injected pace down the wing, Jasmine Cartwright denying Sedgley on their only real chance, the scoring continued for Lucy 2 (for her Hat Trick), and Ellie, Fleur and Charlotte adding to the tally the great play continued. After a hand ball in the box the resulting penalty could not be converted by Erin. Full time 0-15. Goals : Charlotte Morris (1), Ellie Jones (2), Erin Price (1), Fleur Connolly (4), Lucy McLatchy (4), Sydney Harris (3).

Phew, what a game.  Great Spirit and play from both teams and an absolutely amazing first game of the season and incredible result.  All of the girls were a credit to themselves and played some lovely football.  Girl of the Game was difficult, but in the end it went to Lucy for her speed, flair, commitment and four goals.

Coundon Court Girls 3 v 1 Wyre Forest Phoenix Girls

The Under 18    A new season begins and a certain amount of trepidation about a team with lots of new players who had not actually played together up to that point. First opponent of the campaign was Coundon Court near Coventry and it was obvious from the start that they possessed some players with pace and skill. Phoenix were under early pressure but held firm for half of the first period. Against the run of play Phoenix had their first real attack of the game when Eilidh Shakespeare beat the defender on the left and pinpointed a perfect pass into the box for Kat Baylis to control well and fire into the net for a 1-0 lead. Coundon always looked dangerous and it was only a matter of time before they gained parity. Unfortunately for us, it was of our own doing when an own goal deflection from a corner made it so. Half time 1-1.

Coundon began the second half brighter and a couple of sloppy moments, giving them too much space in the box, meant we were chasing a 1-3 score line. Well Phoenix upped their game and gave as good as they got until the end but the final ball in dangerous areas just would not materialise. Final score 1-3. Goals: Kathryn Baylis (1)

Overall, a very pleasing performance from a team that needs time to gel together and find their feet. Player of the match went to Katie Smith who had a solid performance for ninety minutes.

 

Sunday 07 September 2014

West Midlands Regional Women's League

Wyre Forest Phoenix 7 (2) v 0 (0) Redditch United

WFP Ladies sit top of the table after an excellent display of football. Into the squad this year are new signings Rebecca Carter, Sadie Brown and Jess Richards, along with returning Jodie Boraston 

It took 5 minutes to take the lead when captain Kat Meredith found the net through a crowded box after being set up by Rebecca Carter, and she was unlucky a few moments later as this time her shot went just over. Redditch nearly equalised when their shot hit the upright and trickled along the line only to see recovering goalkeeper Tracy Evans scoop it up to deny them the chance. The ladies doubled the lead on 30 minutes when Molly Maguire got her first of the game with a neat one touch finish in the 6yd box after a drilled cross from Kirsty Roberts, giving the ladies a 2-0 lead at half time. 

The second half was dominated by WFP as the beautiful display from all players created some truly memorable goals. Kirsty Roberts bagged a Hat trick, Molly got her second of the game and Mel Zaffino got on the score sheet. The defensive team were also delighted to keep a clean sheet to finish 7-0. Goals: Kat Meredith (1), Kirsty Roberts (3), Melissa Zaffino (1), Molly Maguire (2).

A truly great performance. Well done all the ladies and especially the new players

Player of the match went to Jodie Boraston.