We need something from our next two games if we are going to keep hold of the top six’s coat tails, admits Phoenix Sports boss Paul Bryon

PHOENIX SPORTS manager Paul Bryon says his side must beat Corinthian-Casuals on Saturday to keep in the promotion hunt.

Bryon has been in charge for 13 games following Steve O’Boyle’s shock resignation and six wins in those games has given the club a slim chance of snatching a play-off place.

A 3-1 win at Hythe Town last Saturday was followed by a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Greenwich Borough on Boxing Day.

“We have an exciting couple of games coming up after a disappointing result against Greenwich Borough,” said Bryon.

“I thought the game was even enough in the first half but we made two unintelligent errors in the second half and conceded from two set-pieces, so we need something from Saturday and New Year’s Day if we are going to keep hold of the top six’s coat tails.”

Lewes (54 points from 25 games) and Cray Wanderers (51 points from 24) occupy the two automatic promotion places.

Corinthian-Casuals, Walton Casuals and Carshalton Athletic then follow on 49 points from 26 games, while Greenwich Borough are positioned at the foot of the play-off zone with 48 points.

Hythe Town are seventh (41 points) and Phoenix Sports are in eighth on 40.

“We know Corinthian-Casuals have quality going forward and we can’t allow them to dictate the pace of the game,” added Bryon.

“I have a couple missing but believe in the squad and those coming in are more than capable.

“We know Corinthian-Casuals will be after revenge as we beat them at their place when they were top so a tough test is expected but these are the games we want to play in.”

VCD Athletic go into Monday’s Battle of Woodside Road in nineteenth-place in the table.

Keith McMahon saw his side draw 2-2 at home to second-from-bottom side Ashford United last Saturday before their game at Thamesmead Town last night was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Bryon said: “On New Years Day it’s the must-win game for our fans as we travel 500 yards to VCD.

“They will be fired up for this fixture and it will be like a cup final.  We will have to start fast and maintain a good tempo throughout to get the result we want.

“They are a good side and not to be taken lightly as I have said before I think their league position is a false one and will end up a lot higher than they are.

“We are looking forward to both games and gaining some more points.”

Visit Phoenix Sports website: www.phoenixsportsclub.co.uk

Phoenix Sports  v  Corinthian-Casuals
Bostik South Division
Saturday 30 December 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst, Kent DA7 6JT