MATCH REPORT: East End Phoenix 3 – 0 Hotscots (05/10/2019)

GFSN Championship League - Group B

Venue: Victoria Park

Report by: Steve Groom

Phoenix returned to a mild grey Victoria Park to take on Scotland's own Hotscots. The team looked to build on the previous week's victory and continue their good form in the GFSN league.

Manager Stephen Michael Groom relayed his tactics to the team as soon as they arrived at fortress Vicky Park. Jack Bailey and Rash then took the reigns as they ran the players through some warm up drills.

The team lined up in the same formation as the previous week with some noticeable tweaks in player position. This appeared to pay dividends as Phoenix started at a blistering pace, upfront trio of Jack Bailey, Callum Anderson and Stephen Michael Groom threw themselves at the Hotscots defence, creating chance after chance. This was complemented fantastically by the aggressive and constant pressure of Philip Anthony and Denny David on any Hotscot play.

As the first half continued the back four of James Mabbutt, Neill Suckling, Liam Sure and Vikram Joseph snuffed out any rare foray forward by the Scots attackers. The chances were getting closer but dropping agonisingly wide.

Half time, manager Stephen Michael Groom heaped praise on the teams dominating performance throughout the first half. The message for the next 45 minutes was more of the same and the goals will come.

As the second half progressed Phoenix were knocking on the door, coming closer and closer. Introductions of Vikram Joseph, Alistair, Shaz, Declan Evans and debutant Andy only strengthened the team. Then a long ball forward from Stephen Michael Groom was taken down brilliantly by Andy who played the ball into the feet of our iconic striker Jack Bailey who gracefully placed the ball into the back of the Hotscots net. It was finally 1-0.

Minutes later centre back Neill Suckling again sent a long ball forward taken down by Andy and placed to Jack Bailey once more who finished even more gracefully past the helpless goalie. 2-0 Phoenix.

Not long later a perfectly placed pass from Shaz played in Andy, who then pushed himself past the Scots defender firing a deflected shot into the bottom corner. 3-0 Phoenix, game done and dusted.

We'd like to thank Hotscots for a friendly and competitive match and wish them good luck for their future fixtures. Phoenix look forward to the visit of Mersey next week in the GFSN cup.