Match Preview

Match Details:
PHOENIX SPORTS v CRAY VALLEY (PM)
MONDAY 28TH AUG 2023 – KICK OFF 3pm
PITCHING IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE – SOUTH EAST DIVISION

VENUE :- “Christopher Russell Stadium” Mayplace Road East, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA7 6JT.
Please note: Phoenix Sports have asked us to advise that no bicycles or dogs are allowed within the grounds.
ADMISSION PRICES (as per Phoenix Sports website) Adults: £10.00, OAP's (65+): £5.00, Under 16's: £1

See link for Phoenix Sports website match info including online matchday programme
https://www.phoenixsportsclub.co.uk/news/phoenix-sports-v-cray-valley-pm-2799355.html

Referee: James Hall
Assistants: Kenny Agboola and Chris Wood

Match Preview:
Phoenix Sports under manager Steve Boyle regained their Isthmian South East Division step 4 status for this season. They finished runners-up in the SCEFL Premier and were successful in an inter step play off against local rivals VCD Athletic at the end of last season, having been relegated the season before.

They picked up a point in their opening home league game with a goalless draw against Chichester City but have since suffered two league successive defeats away at Three Bridges 4-2 and on Saturday they went down 4-0 at Sheppey United. In what has been a tough start to the season they started with a FA Cup defeat losing 2-1 at home to Eastbourne United and last Tuesday went out of the Velocity Trophy beaten 5-1 at home to Erith & Belvedere.

Steve Boyle will be looking for a reaction from his players and as proved in the past, games at Mayfield Road East are never easy, in fact looking at the stats, Cray Valley are yet to win there in their five previous meetings since achieving senior status in 2013. You have to go back to season 2002/03 in the Kent County League for the last confirmed win for the Millers, a 4-1 victory.

One player I personally was looking forward to seeing at the game was former Millers goalkeeper, now plying his trade with Phoenix Sports, Andy Walker. However I understand he may well be away and so instead between the sticks maybe another face also known to the Millers, young Liam Northwood.

Steve Mckimm and his Millers team may have mixed feelings about Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Broadbridge Heath, two points dropped after leading twice but in the end a point gained as they finished the game with ten men following the sending off of Kiki Oshilaja. Kiki will be available today as his two match ban won't start until next week. A win in the opening league game at Sittingbourne gives four points from two games and a win at Phoenix Sports to make it seven out of nine will have everyone at the Millers feeling a whole lot better. As always it will be compelling. Hope to see you there.

#COYM

Previous Meetings:
Cray Valley v Phoenix Sports (senior status)
League:
Season 2021/22 Home W 1-0 Away D 0-0
Season 2019/20 Covid Home W 2-0 Away L 0-2
Season 2014/15 Home D 1-1 Away D 1-1
Season 2013/14 Home D 2-2 Away L 0-1
Played 8
Won 2
Drew 4
Lost 2

Cup
Season 2019/20 Home L 1-2 (Velocity Trophy)
Played 1
Won 0
Drew 0
Lost 1

Cray Valley v Phoenix Sports (pre-senior status 2002-2011)
League:
Season 2010/11 Home D 2-2 Away D 1-1
Season 2009/10 Home D 1-1 Away unknown
Season 2008/09 Home W 1-0 Away D 3-3
Season 2002/03 Home W 3-1 Away W 4-1
Played 8
Won 3
Drew 4
Lost 0
Unknown 1

Last Meeting
Season 2021/22
PITCHING-IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SE DIV
PHOENIX SPORTS 0 CRAY VALLEY (PM) 0 - 29th JAN 2022 - ATT 238
Match Report & Photos:
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/teams/228820/match-centre/1-9409781/report

Full details of our previous meetings can be found at
https://www.crayvalleypmfc.com/a/season-202324--opponents-previous-meetings-62212.html?page=16