We're looking at long-term growth rather than short-term glory, says Tony Beckingham

PHOENIX SPORTS’ joint-manager Tony Beckingham says the club have exceeded all expectations so far this season.



The Barnehurst-based outfit clinched the Kent Invicta League title last season and are playing in the Southern Counties East Football League for the first time.

They are presently in fourth-place in the table with 31 points from 17 games – five points behind leaders Ashford United, who have four games in hand.

Beckingham comes up against one of his former clubs in the shape of Holmesdale on Saturday, who arrive sitting in tenth-place with 19 points from 14 games.

The Dalers will be without former Phoenix Sports’ target-man Steve Stotten, who has decided to take a break from football through work commitments.

“Tough fixture against a Holmesdale team that look to play in the right way,” said Beckingham.

“With John-Paul Collier in their side they always have a chance.

“We need to bounce back after Saturday’s defeat.”

Phoenix Sports suffered their sixth league defeat of the season last weekend when they went down to a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Dartford-based Greenwich Borough, who like Phoenix have applied for promotion to the Ryman League.

“The season has gone very well for us so far and we have exceeded our own expectations to this point,” said Beckingham.

“We have lost a few silly games but this is the club’s first season at this level of football and it’s more about development and progression.

“We’re looking at long-term growth rather than short-term glory or bust.

“Our aspirations are to simply win as many games as possible and see where it leads us.

“It would be fantastic if we could get to a cup final but that is so far off at the moment it’s not really worth talking about.

“We’ve got a busy fixture list with the addition of the two-legged League Cup Quarter-Final against Corinthian being played midweek in January. 

“January will be a pivotal month for us - at the end of it we’ll still have all to play for or we’ll be preparing for next season!”

Visit Phoenix Sports’ website: www.phoenixsportsclub.org

Phoenix Sports  v  Holmesdale
Southern Counties East Football League East
Saturday 21^st December 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Phoenix Sports Ground, Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst, Kent DA7 6JT