Dominant Phoenix too strong for Erith in fiery local derby
Phoenix Sports secured a deserved victory over Erith Town in a fiery local derby on Tuesday night, moving them within three points of 18th-placed Littlehampton Town.
Darren Anslow made one change to the side that fell to defeat against Merstham, with Isaac Thompson—returning from a three-match ban—replacing Aaron Clarke.
Phoenix started on the front foot, with Henry Griffin and Tyler Anderson proving to be a threat down the left-hand side. The best chance of the opening 30 minutes fell to Erith, however, when James Dyer found space on the edge of the box but could only fire over the bar.
Phoenix found a breakthrough just before half-time when a superb counter-attack involving Jamarie Brissett and Richard Pingling set up Perri Iandolo. The midfielder’s scuffed effort fell at the feet of Tyler Anderson, who took a touch before calmly placing the ball home.
The second half began with Phoenix continuing their attacking intent, with Anderson once again causing havoc down the right flank. However, it was Erith who found a way back into the game in the 52nd minute. A long free kick into the box wasn’t cleared, and the ball broke to Dyer. His shot was brilliantly saved by Freeman, only for Harry Taylor to pounce on the rebound and level the score.
Phoenix could have wobbled but instead rallied. The Sports came close to restoring their lead in the 61st minute, with Anderson’s dangerous ball across the face of goal narrowly evading a finishing touch. Moments later, Ahkeem Belford met a corner but could only head just over the bar.
The game was halted for a lengthy stoppage after goalkeeper Sam Freeman picked up a knock, but Phoenix picked up where they left off after the restart. In the 72nd minute, they came inches away from a goal, with a flurry of chances culminating in Bradley Pritchard striking the post from close range.
Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Anderson, who had been a menace all game, produced a stunning run and cross to set up Pingling. The forward got in front of his marker and guided the ball home to restore Phoenix’s lead.
Tensions ran high in the closing stages, with Phoenix having to navigate eight minutes of stoppage time. The drama continued as Darren Anslow was sent from the bench after receiving two yellow cards, but Phoenix held firm to secure a vital win.
Anslow’s men travel to Steyning Town on Saturday, where they will hope to build on their impressive display in DA7.
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