Last year we had three wins under Steve O’Boyle the furthest Phoenix has ever been in the FA Cup. However, this year we have a lot tougher draw against Three Bridges, says Phoenix Sports boss Paul Bryon

PHOENIX SPORTS manager Paul Bryon says he’s looking forward to an exciting FA Cup Preliminary Round tie against league rivals Three Bridges tomorrow.

The two sides met in the Bostik South East Division last weekend with Phoenix Sports taking advantage of being at home by winning 5-2.

“We are Looking forward to the FA Cup weekend,” said Bryon, whose side face Three Bridges at their place.

“It’s obviously an exciting weekend for all clubs at our level, being involved in the Cup you grew up watching as a youngster is pretty special regardless of how many times you have been involved in it previously.

“There is always a good buzz around social media this weekend everyone looking at fixtures, results and anticipating the next round draw if you are lucky enough to win this weekend.

“Last year we had three wins under Steve O’Boyle the furthest Phoenix has ever been in the Cup. However, this year we have a lot tougher draw in the first round against Three Bridges.

“It’s going to be a bit strange as we played them in the league last Saturday, so both clubs will know strength and weaknesses well, it will be interesting to see what changes are made, formation and personnel wise.

“We are away so as I say it’s going to be a tough fixture.  All we can do is give it our all, prepare properly and try and play to our full potential on the day.

“They are a good experienced side with some players who have played at a higher level, so we cannot be anywhere but at our best if we wish to progress.”

The prize money has increased this season with £2,890 going to the winners and £960 to the losers.

“Obviously, there is a financial reward for the club and any money we can get at Phoenix is a help to the club as we are self-funding,” explained Bryon.

“However, we need to treat it as would any game and be courageous and composed in the game. The supporters love a cup run and we want to be able to give them that and try to give them a good celebration come Saturday at 5pm.”

It’s derby day at Phoenix Sports on Bank Holiday Monday (15:00), when they welcome Thamesmead Town.

Phoenix Sports are currently in second-place in the table following their wins over East Grinstead Town (3-1) and Three Bridges, while Tommy Warrilow’s side are third-from-bottom in the table after losing to Hastings United (5-1) and Faversham Town (2-1).

“We have another tough fixture on Monday at home to Thamesmead Town who are a good side with a very experienced manager,” said Bryon.

“We know them well and have had to prepare for both games this week as there is only a day between them.

“It’s a good Bank Holiday fixture and one we are looking forward to. We have a good start but we are only two games in and we need to try and keep the good results coming and build momentum.

“We have a good group and a lot of players who have been with us for a while now so the team know each other well and I believe this is good foundation.

“We know this year is going to be tough with lots of good teams in the league all strengthening. There are eight or nine teams who have invested and are wanting to have a really good go at the league title or play-offs so we are aware that every point is going to count.”

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

Three Bridges  v  Phoenix Sports
The Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round
Saturday 25 August 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Jubillee Walk, Three Bridges, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 1LQ