Sports: Phoenix | Football | Camden Sunday League

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden Sports - by STEVE BARNETT
Published: 29 January 2009

Clarke leads team effort

Phoenix record historic London Cup win over rivals Reddot

HIGH-FLYING Phoenix turned on the style on Sunday when they beat rivals Reddot to win one of the biggest games in the club’s history.
The triumphant Camden Sunday League side put in a barnstorming show at Hackney Marshes to beat the Dots and seal a place in the semi-finals of the prestigious London Intermediate Cup.
Phoenix took the lead midway through the first half when Abdi Ahmed and Neil Bralee combined to set up sharp-shooter James Cole, who coolly slotted the ball beyond keeper Jimmy Russell.
Reddot rallied and pulled the scores level when substitute Paul Reid, who came on for the injured John Donovan, beat two defenders before unleashing an unstoppable shot past Barry Breen in the Phoenix goal. The Dots were then denied the lead when Breen made the save of the game to stop Steven Bruce from point blank range.
Searching for their first win over Reddot, Phoenix continued to push forward and took the lead on the hour when Dean Humphries marked his return from a broken toe with a goal.
Dots’ captain Micky Dowsett failed to clear his lines, allowing Humphries to get in a soft shot from the edge of the area which somehow found its way past Russell.
Man-of-the-match Aaron Clarke was inspirational in helping Phoenix protect their lead with no fewer than four goal-line clearances.
The result was put beyond doubt when Ricky Lucas added a vital third. The pacey striker saw his first shot saved by the keeper, but when the ball rebounded back to him he made no mistake with his second attempt.
There was still time for leading scorer Cole to net his second of the game. Midfield maestro Ahmed played a raking 35-yard pass down field, which Cole controlled before delicately chipping the keeper to take his personal tally to 12 goals for the season.
Reddot pulled a goal back through Liam Barnabie, who cut in from right-wing before firing his shot into the top corner.
But the day belonged to Phoenix, who ran out 4-2 winners.
The result was the perfect reward for Dave Harber and Karen Marshall, the partners who manage and run the club.
After the game Dave said: “I had 14 players out there who were all superstars on the day.
“They all gave me everything. It was our best-ever performance, a real team effort.
“The trophy is in sight. We’re not going to get carried a way, but we certainly believe we can win it.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: