Our target is to keep our season alive as long as possible and hopefully still have something to play for in the last game of the season, says Phoenix Sports boss Paul Bryon

PHOENIX SPORTS manager Paul Bryon says he wants his side to find their rhythm against title-chasing Hastings United tomorrow.

 

Phoenix Sports extended their winless run to six games after losing 2-0 at home to their next-door neighbours VCD Athletic in their last game, which took place on Sunday 30 December.

The Barnehurst based club are sitting in tenth-place in the Bostik South East Division with 25 points on the board from their 18 games and they host a Hastings United side that are fighting tooth-and-nail with Cray Wanderers to grab the title.

Chris Agguter’s side are in second-place and are eight points adrift of Tony Russell’s Wands.

“It will be good to get back to playing every week from now on we have had two games in four weeks and lost a bit of rhythm,” said Bryon.

“It definitely showed in the second half against VCD, we looked a little tired mentally and physically, however we have worked hard since then and put that right ready for Saturday.

“We are in the middle of a very tough run of games VCD, Hastings, Horsham and Whyteleafe, it’s a tough run for us.

“Our previous meeting with Hastings (a 3-0 defeat on 1 September 2018) is the only game this season we have not really competed and made a game of it.  We were never really in it at their place, we had four missing that day but no excuses we were poor.

“All other games this season we have contributed and results could have gone either way.

“We know we will have to be at our very best to get something out of the game.

“It’s difficult because when you think Phoenix are hosting Hastings on Saturday some would have said a few years ago this would never happen to a club like Phoenix but we are now at the stage where not only have we been at this level almost four seasons so we expect to get something out of this game.

“This is a massive testament to the committee and previous management of the club that we are established at this level now.

“The committee do not put too much pressure on us but we are ambitious and want to compete in every game.”

Phoenix Sports are eight points adrift of the play-offs. Tommy Warrilow has guided Ashford United into fifth-place with a run of five unbeaten games in six since taking over.

“It’s very hard at the beginning of the season for a club like ours to set targets and expectations as there is so much toing and froing of players in the league,” said Bryon.

“You don’t know how they will settle at the new clubs and apart from the normal few you don’t know how strong teams will actually be on the pitch.  

“Our target is to keep our season alive as long as possible and hopefully still have something to play for in the last game of the season.

“We are half way through and have played everyone now and we should have more points on the board from positions we have been in, in games but seeing games out is part of the learning process.

“Massive disappointment losing to VCD on 30^th December, we had three very good chances first half and had one gone in I think it would have been a different result, however seeing 453 people watch the game was a bonus for the club if not for myself and the players.

“We have a good group here and the majority have been here for three seasons or more, which shows a good loyalty as everyone knows we are nowhere near the highest payers. We keep working hard and hopefully the second half the season will see us turn our draws into wins.”

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

Phoenix Sports  v  Hastings United
Bostik South East Division
Saturday 12 January 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst, Kent DA7 6JT