14th September 2013
Keymer & Hassocks vs Phoenix Utd
Div 1
K & H overcame newcomers Phoenix 3-1 in a well contested encounter at the Adastra Stadium.
The game saw the first outing for recently appointed joiint manager Chris Lambe who was wearing his new manager’s coat specially bought for this challenging role.His influence was soon in evidence as unusually for K & H they started quickly and were soon ahead with a scrambled finish by birthday boy Lewis Taylor.As expected a team that was playing in the Premier League last season had some quality players and they knocked the ball around with ease but K & H kept up a high energy performance and they found it difficult to settle such that Lewis Taylor put the home side further ahead with a great effort from just outside the box
Stand in keeper James Harris was performing solidly in goal particularly against some dangerous corners and new boy Pete Williamson was giving K & H something they have lacked for a long time with his lightning pace up front.
After the break K & H probably had the better of the first twenty minutes and could have added to their score but Phoenix put everything into the remainder of the half with Harris having to make a good save following a penetrating run into the box.They the got their reward when a Phoenix player was allowed to advance and pick his spot totally unchallenged.This provoked an immediate response however with Taylor displaying remarkable control by cleverly lifting the ball over a defenders head before calmly stroking it home.Phoenix kept battling till the end but the gap was too much until right at the end when the Ref had blown for a foul in the area but one of their players blasted the ball at point blank range towards keeper Harris who bravely kept it out with his face even though it was not necessary but nevertheless demonstrated the K & H commitment on the day.
