We've got a massive weekend, says Phoenix Sports boss Scott Saunders

PHOENIX SPORTS manager Scott Saunders says whoever takes their chances will walk away with the inaugural Kent Invicta League Challenge Trophy tomorrow.


The Barnehurst outfit lock horns with league leaders Bly Spartans at Park View Road on Good Friday, looking to create history.

Bly Spartans have been season long leaders of the Kent Invicta League all season, but Saunders says his side are preparing for a massive weekend, which could make-or-break their campaign.

If Phoenix win their game in hand, which is away to bottom-side Orpington on Easter Monday, then they will be only two points behind Bly Spartans, with both sides having plenty to play for during their last remaining three games.

Saunders, 38, though, is fully focused on tomorrow’s Cup Final.

“Obviously both teams are fighting it out for the league title, which is obviously more important to both teams.   The final is a welcome distraction and we’re looking forward to it,” said Saunders.

“It will be a hard game against a decent side.  They’ve got a top striker in Stuart Zanone, they’ve got two good centre halves, who I know very well.   They’ll be strong.  They’re a good side.  I’m expecting a tough game.”

Saunders men haven’t beaten Matt Hume’s side in the league this season.  Bly came away from Phoenix with a 2-1 win back in September, before both sides played out a goal-less draw in Strood in January.

Saunders recalled: “First game we played them was back in September, one of the first games we played.  We should have got a draw out of the game to be honest.

“Second game when we drew down there the other month, I thought we were much the better side.

But he added: “I’m expecting a tough game.  I’m holding no fears, just because we’re playing Bly Spartans.”

Phoenix Sports have come a long way since they opened the new Kent Invicta League, with a convincing 4-0 away win over the road at Erith & Dartford Town on the opening night.

Saunders said: “We’re obviously second in the league.  As I said to you on the first night when you interviewed me, I said we’ve got a strong side that will be challenging for the league.  

“The two best teams have got to the Cup Final as well.

“We’ve got a massive weekend, haven’t we?  Obviously tomorrow is the Cup Final and then we’ve got our game in hand to play on the Monday.  If we win our game in hand but we’ve got four very tough games in the league.   We’ve got Orpington away then we have to go down to Rusthall and Hollands & Blair and then we’ve got Bridon at home.”

When asked whether the club have a ground fit to enter the Kent League next season, Saunders said: “I believe they have got the all-clear, but I’m not 100% sure.  You will have to ask the chairman that on Friday if you see him.

“I know they’ve got the application in for the lights.  I know they’ve put the hard-standing around one side of the pitch so far, so they have to do the other side.  I believe we can.”

Sanders, meanwhile, has been impressed by the standard of the Kent Invicta League this season.

He said:  “The club has come a long way.  I think it’s been a very, very good year for the Kent Invicta League.  It’s much better than the Kent County League.  Teams are much stronger than they were over the last couple of years, much improved.  Obviously, a few dodgy ones here and there.

“I think it’s a very good league and it’s improved Phoenix, definitely, so it can only be a good thing.

“I think it’s always great to win a final no matter what Cup you’re in, but the ultimate goal is to win the League and get out of the League that you’re in.

“As I said to you before, a Cup distraction is always good.  It’s another game and we’ll do our best to win it.”

Saunders says his players will relish on playing on the excellent playing surface at Park View Road tomorrow.

He said:  “The boys’ can’t wait to get on it to be honest.  We’ve got a good surface down at Phoenix.  Welling is probably one of the best grounds in the county.

“How will it be won?  That’s a tricky question!  I think it could be about people who take their chances to be honest.  It will be the team that takes their chances.  I don’t think it will be a high scoring game – it will probably be three-all or something now.  I think it will be who takes their chances out of the front four lads.

“Stuart’s one fire for them.  Alfie Harris is on fire for us.  Pretty (Sam Prett) has scored a few goals in the last few games.  It’s all about people who take their chances to be honest.”

Meanwhile, tomorrow’s game, which kicks-off at 2:00pm, will be refereed by Daren Rudd, with his two sons, Josh and Scott, running the line.

Visit Phoenix Sports’ website:  www.phoenixsportsclub.org

Phoenix Sports  v  Bly Spartans
Kent Invicta League Challenge Trophy (Sponsored by Sandon Robinson) Final
Good Friday, 6^th April 2012
Kick Off 2:00pm
At Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY