Phoenix Sports boss Paul Bryon: We had a very good result last week against Ashford but my players are aware I was not totally happy with the performance, especially in the first-half

PHOENIX SPORTS manager Paul Bryon says he was not pleased with his side’s performance despite their opening day surprise 2-1 win at Ashford United.

Johan ter Horst opened the scoring for Tommy Warrilow’s side at Homelands Stadium but Phoenix Sports claimed the victory, courtesy of Jeff Duah-Kessie and Oliver Andrews scoring inside the final 17 minutes.

“We had a very good result last week against Ashford but my players are aware I was not totally happy with the performance, especially in the first-half,” said Bryon.

“We were not sharp defensively across the whole team but we dug in and stuck at it and everyone gave their all.

“This is what you want from your squad when maybe you are not at your best.

“We have a good squad and we have competition for places and that makes for a good attitude.

“I can’t fault the players’ attitude in training and on the pitch and that’s what gets three points on days like last Saturday.

Ben Smith’s Herne Bay suffered a 4-1 home defeat to Whyteleafe on the opening day of the Isthmian League South East Division campaign and arrive at the Mayplace Ground tomorrow.

“We have got a tough game tomorrow, although we do have home advantage,” said Bryon.

“We know Herne Bay are strong and have good attacking ability.  I think most people would have been shocked by Herne Bay conceding four goals at home and I know they will be looking to put that right tomorrow.

“However, we will focus on our selves and how we want to play and approach the game.

“We have all but one available for selection in the squad, apart from two who are out on short-term loans and you will see Jeff Duah-Kessie is now getting minutes after an out-of-season Achillies injury.  He has come on the last two games and played a total of 50 minutes and got two goals and one assist.

“I do believe that the league has got stronger and teams like East Grinstead, who struggled last year especially earlier on, have practically a whole new squad and will do a lot better this year.

“Every game and every point counts and a good start helps the cause massively.

“We will be looking to add to our first three points tomorrow but make no mistake it will be tough but we believe we are ready and up for it.” 

Visit Phoenix Sports’ website:  www.pitchero.com/clubs/phoenixsports

Phoenix Sports  v  Herne Bay
Isthmian League South East Division
Saturday 26 September 2020
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst, Kent DA8 6JT