We did not panic when we were pointless after four games, says Phoenix Sports boss Paul Bryon

PHOENIX SPORTS manager Paul Bryon says he did not panic following his side’s slow start to the season.

The club have climbed off the base of the Isthmian South East Division table following wins over Hythe Town (2-0), East Grinstead Town (6-3) and a 2-1 win at Whitehawk last weekend.

Phoenix Sports play their second group game in the Velocity Trophy when they welcome Sevenoaks Town.

Micky Collins' side rose to the summit of the Isthmian League South East Division table for the first time after beating Faversham Town 3-1 at home last weekend.

“Last week we were away to Whitehawk, which I had heard was a very difficult place to go and get everything,” said Bryon.

“The pitch was tricky and obviously they have been a club that has experienced football at a higher level  but we were confident having won the previous two.

“We worked hard and played to our strengths and felt relatively comfortable in the game.

“We won 2-1, which was a very big three points for us away, especially at Whitehawk.

“I always said it would take eight to 10 games for the league to take shape and we did not panic when we were pointless after four games, having lost three games by one goal and had good spells in all of the games.”

Phoenix Sports have climbed up to tenth-place, courtesy of their nine point haul and have now played seven league games and are seven points adrift of the leaders.

“The Velocity Trophy does allow us to try things and give minutes to some fringe players but we are keen to keep the winning streak going and will be going out to get something from the game,” added Bryon.

“At this stage of the season a couple of wins can move you up a lot of places, the same as a couple of losses can drop you a lot of places.

“There is a long way to go and a lot of work to do but as I have always said, the players I have are more than capable at this level. It’s down to application and effort and we have got that right at the moment.

“Sevenoaks have had a great start and are sitting at the top of the table, but our first opponents in the Velocity Trophy were Cray Valley, who when we played that game were top and we got a win there so we are looking forward to it.

“We have blooded in some youngsters again this year and have three that are now a regular part of our squad.

“This is a credit to the club and the structure they have built and is imperative to us so we can compete with some clubs who may have a little more money than us.”

Velocity Trophy Group Nine Results:
Sevenoaks Town 2-2 Sittingbourne
(Sevenoaks Town win 4-2 on penalties)

Cray Valley (Paper Mills) 1-2 Phoenix Sports

Sittingbourne 4-4 Sevenoaks Town
(Sittingbourne win 5-4 on penalties)

Meanwhile, VCD Athletic’s Old Boys will play Phoenix Sports’ Old Boys in a fundraising game and post-match auction for Joe Ford at Old Road, Crayford on Sunday 29 September (15:00).

The former manager of Sporting Club Thamesmead, whom is the son of former VCD Athletic player and manager Martin Ford, contracted sepsis at the end of March.

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

Phoenix Sports  v  Sevenoaks Town
Velocity Trophy Group Nine
Saturday 28 September 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Mayplace Road East, Barnehurst, Kent DA7 6JT