Phoenix prepare for season ahead after weekend meltdown

as posted on BunburyMail

SOCCER: A second half meltdown by Phoenix allowed Gosnells to come from 2-1 down at half time and triumph for a 4-2 win, and in truth, by the end of the match, it could have been uglier for Phoenix as the more experienced Gosnells side created chances almost at will in the second half. Phoenix will need to drastically improve on this performance to come away with any credibility against Mandurah in three weeks.

Gosnells started much brighter and dominated possession for the first twenty minutes. They took the lead when Phoenix turned the ball over in the middle of the park. Phoenix got back on level terms soon after though, with Murphy again playing a through ball down the right side. Suttie collected it, cut inside and laid the ball off at the top of the box for Hayes to finish sweetly with a well placed shot into the bottom right hand corner. Phoenix took the lead when Murphy’s corner was only parried by the keeper and fell straight to Suttie’s feet, and he scored from eight yards. Phoenix led 2-1 at the break.

The second half was all Gosnells though, aside from an early shot from a tight angle from Suttie. Ironically, that shot produced the save which led to Gosnells equalising goal. Phoenix became disjointed and it was no real surprise when Gosnells virtually sealed their win with a 4th goal on 70minutes.

The second half performance from Phoenix was very poor and they received a lesson from Gosnells’ hat trick man who did as he pleased for much of the match. Phoenix missed Alex Dawson, who would have added some grit and hard tackling to their defence, along with the continued absence of Mayers. Phoenix now have much to think about in the two weeks to prepare for Mandurah, before they have another match up against Gosnells in Round One.

as posted on BunburyMail