We know a bit about Hendon, they’ve had a good start and they will be confident playing a team from a lower league at home in The FA Cup, says Phoenix Sports boss Paul Bryon

PHOENIX SPORTS manager Paul Bryon says his side will be underdogs when they travel to Hendon in The FA Cup Second Qualifying Round on Saturday.

Bryon’s men are in ninth-place in the Bostik South East Division table with three wins from their opening five games, while Hendon switched from the Bostik Premier Division to the Evo-Stik Southern Premier League and go into Saturday’s tie sitting in the top six with 14 points from seven league outings.

“We are all looking forward to the occasion on Saturday and once again playing in the best domestic cup competition in the world,” said Bryon.

“We know travelling away to Hendon that we are the underdogs and it will be a tough ask to get something from the game. However, we are prepared and ready and very much looking forward to the challenge.”

Two goals from Ricky Freeman ensured Whitstable Town came away from Barnehurst with a 2-0 win last weekend.

“We had a bad day on Saturday going down to 10 men and had three of our midfield all out for various reasons but I’ve got a group who will put that behind them and move forward,” said Bryon, who admits his side are underdogs at Hendon at the weekend as Phoenix Sports aim to replicate reaching the Third Qualifying Round for the second successive season.

“We know a bit about Hendon, they’ve had a good start and they will be confident playing a team from a lower league at home in The FA Cup,” said Bryon.

“They are strong, quick and we will have to be on our game form minute one to compete but we know what The FA Cup can produce and we believe in ourselves and know each other well.

“We have two of those who missed Saturday back this week, which will help our midfield and means we don’t have to play anyone out of position. 
We will still be without Jack Hopkins who has medial damage but we don’t think it’s too serious so he should be no more than a few weeks away.

“We have re-signed Conrad Lee (from Sheppey United) last week who was with us last year and is a very versatile and intelligent player. He has fitted straight back into the squad and we are pleased to have him back!

“Hopefully we will get a few travelling with us as everyone at Phoenix shares my opinion of The FA Cup and are all looking forward to it.”

The winners of Second Qualifying Round ties will bank £9,000 in increased prize money from The Football Association.

Phoenix Sports have defeated Three Bridges (3-2) and Lancing (3-0 away after a 2-2 draw at home) to reach this stage, banking £8,890 in prize money so far.

Bryon added:  “To a club like ours these occasions are massive and obviously every penny we can make helps with the running of the club and take pressure off the many volunteers that give up their time to run the club.  Without them and the contribution from (our sponsors) Mid Kent Metals and John Power we would be in a sticky situation. It’s a god club who appreciate the value of The FA Cup.”

Visit Phoenix Sports website:  www.phoenixsportsclub.co.uk

Hendon  v  Phoenix Sports
The Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 22 September 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Silver Jubilee Park, Townsend Lane, Kingsbury, London NW9 7NE