2015 was a fantastic year for us so 2016 has a lot to live up to, says Phoenix Sports boss Steve O'Boyle

PHOENIX SPORTS manager Steve O’Boyle says 2016 has a lot to live up to following the club’s promotion into the Ryman League last year.

 

The Barnehurst based club claimed the Southern Counties East Football League title in April and are enjoying life in the Ryman League Division One North.

The club are slap bang in the middle of the table in 12^th place on 41 points from 28 games, a place below tomorrow’s opponents Thamesmead Town, who have the same number of points but do have four games in hand.

O’Boyle says he is looking forward to his return to Bayliss Avenue.

“Really looking forward to going back to Thamesmead tomorrow. I spent many enjoyable years there,” he said.

“It was the first game I looked for when the fixtures came out. It is our first ever competitive game against them and I know our supporters are looking forward to it.

“I’m hoping we can follow up on last week’s win over Cray Wanderers with another good performance and hopefully a win.

“Thamesmead are a very good side, who I expect to be in amongst the play-offs come the end of the season.”

Despite their midtable position, Phoenix Sports are only four points adrift of fifth-placed Cheshunt and are one of a number of teams that have a chance of grabbing a play-of place at the end of the season.

O’Boyle said: “2015 was a fantastic year for us so 2016 has a lot to live up to!

“We have had a good season so far.  I’m hoping to win as many games as possible and try and finish in the top half in our first season. Any higher will be a very nice bonus.”

Meanwhile, Thamesmead Town boss Terry Spillane, has delved into the transfer market ahead of tomorrow’s derby.

Brett O’Connor joins the Mead from Hoddesdon Town, following Mead’s recent signing of Matt Mitchell from the third-placed Spartan South Midlands League outfit.

Spillane told www.thamesmeadtownfc.com: “He’s a midfielder with a great passing range and a very decent goal scoring record.

“He was a major influence in Hoddesdon’s fantastic Cup run (where they reached the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round), which is where he first came to our attention.

“We’re delighted to reunite him with Matt and hope that he’s another part towards the completion of our jigsaw that’ll help us to achieve our long term goal.”

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.com

Visit Phoenix Sports’ website: www.phoenixsportsfc.com

Thamesmead Town  v  Phoenix Sports
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 2^nd January 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ

Article published: 16:30 – Friday 1 January 2016