Brave Phoenix Sports’ record breaking F.A. Youth Cup run ended with a 3rd qualifying round defeat against a strong Whitehawk team.
Last season, the Brighton based team won their Under 18 league and cup double so the infrastructure is already in place. At Phoenix, Jack Parkinson is building an academy at Erith School and they had already set a club record by getting this far before this game.
Alfie Aldridge gave Phoenix a perfect start with a first minute shot that Whitehawk goalkeeper Gregor Shaw will feel that he should have saved.
Robert Deda had a shot that took a deflection but Phoenix custodian Lewis Watson got behind it to save.
Ben Allen belted a free kick well over before Whitehawk levelled on the fifteen minute mark. Deda worked his way into the box and was brought down by Luke Garrod. Alfie Rodgers took the responsibility and smashed the spot kick down the middle.
Robert Malila came close to putting the visitors ahead when his header was deflected onto the bar and over then James Waters shot wide as the Hawks started to get on top.
It was not all one way though and Aldridge spun and shot into the side netting after a good flick on from John Walpole.
Joel Daly created problems down the right wing and a shot from out wide drew a great save from Watson.
He was not to be denied however and his power and speed again got him away down the sideline and he cut in before unleashing a shot that gave Watson no chance.
Minutes later, he had the ball in the net again but had pulled a defender back to give himself the opportunity and it was disallowed.
One more chance came his way before the break but Billy Oak got enough of a block on it to allow Watson to save.
After the break the lively Allen had a shot saved by Shaw before the visitors extended their lead. Deda worked it out to James Waters and his perfect cross found Rodgers who headed home clinically.
Allen outpaced Lewis Broughton but was forced wide and unable to get a shot away before Whitehawk added a fourth. Deda went on a powerful run through the middle before sending a shot into the bottom corner from 25 yards.
Watson then made a string of saves to keep the score at four, thwarting Deda twice, Rodgers and Lewis Bond, the latter bravely at his feet resulting in him needing treatment.
To their credit, Phoenix refused to buckle and reduced the arrears with four minutes to go when a handball in the penalty area presented them with a penalty that Aldridge dispatched confidently.
As the game entered injury time, Allen was felled in the area and another penalty was awarded. Aldridge again stepped up and fired into the other corner to complete his hat-trick.
Surprisingly, two penalties, four goals, three cautions, five substitutes and two lengthy injury breaks only resulted in three additional minutes and Phoenix did not have time to mount another attack.
Although beaten, the Sports were certainly not disgraced and can look back at their run with pride.
Phoenix Sports: Watson, Warren (Hussain 58), Oak, Murselaj, Garrod, Poole, Martin (Pye 75), Mehmeti (Davis 46), Walpole, Allen, Aldridge.
Subs not used: Badbhagi, Anderson.
Whitehawk: Shaw, Walsh, Broughton, Bond (Bull 75), Malila, Addy, Daly, Deda, Waters (Moore 62), Rodgers, Sisimayi (Bukleb 75).
Subs not used: None
Phoenix Sports:
Goalscorers: Aldridge (1), pen (86), pen (90+)
Yellow cards: Allen, Poole
Red cards: None
Whitehawk:
Goalscorers: Rodgers pen (15) & (50), Daly (37), Deda (68)
Yellow cards: Bukleb
Red cards: None
Referee: Andrew Simmonds
Assistant Referees: Kevin Greenhead and and James Beadle
Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.