On Wednesday evening Phoenix Sports entertain Erith Town in a Southern Counties East Football League fixture.

It could be an explosive encounter. The Sports are in second place in the table, and the Dockers are one place and two points behind in third.

Although, Erith and Belvedere appear to be running away with the league, they have had a few blips in recent weeks and either club could pounce if the opportunity arose. There is also a play-off place available for the team who finishes as runners-up so there is a lot to play for.

The Sports extended their unbeaten league run to eight games, and a fourth consecutive win with a two-nil victory at Holland and Blair on Saturday.

However, manager Steve O’Boyle was the first to admit that it was a smash and grab.

Andy Pugh put the Sports ahead on the half hour mark but Harvey Welford levelled twenty minutes after the break. The hosts went on the search for a winner but it was Pugh who had the final say with a last minute winner.

Meanwhile, the Dockers had a tough encounter at Stansfield. Captained by eighteen year old Tom Ash, who became the youngest captain in their history, they went behind to a goal by Billy Shinners but levelled soon after through James Trueman. Joe Chalker scored the winner just before half time.

It was a good comeback for Adam Woodward’s side after their nine game unbeaten run was ended at Deal Town on the previous Tuesday.

When the two teams met in the curtain raiser for this season, Phoenix came out on top despite being second best for large parts of the second half. Ryan Hayes put the visitors ahead in the fifth minute from the penalty spot but Charlie Clover levelled in first half injury time.

After the break, the Dockers took control but couldn’t drive home their advantage and Phoenix reclaimed the lead with seven minutes remaining.

Alfie Evans clipped home after Hayes’ audacious effort came back off the woodwork. Three minutes later, Erith’s Ryan Mahal was sent off for a second yellow card offence and the Sports took full advantage by working a quick free kick for Luke Leppard to tap in.

O’Boyle and Woodward know each other well, having worked together in the past, and with so much at stake, there should be a good turnout. The game takes place at the Mayplace Ground, kicking off at 7:45.