Phoenix Rise in Flexi League Cup Debut

WOMENS FLEXI LEAGUE CUP: BURGESS HILL PHOENIX VS FISHERSGATE FLYERS 03.11.25

FULL TIME 1 - 1 (PHEONIX WIN 4 - 3 ON PENALTIES)

The match kicked off under a burst of early rain 🌧, but we were fired up, focused, and ready for our first-ever Women’s Flexi League Cup outing. With a mix of last season’s Division 1 players and strong new additions, we settled quickly and set the tone.

First Half:

Right from the whistle, Lucy P and Jo took control in the middle, linking beautifully with Chloe H and Rachael H out wide. Rachael delivered a brilliant early cross to Fran, who went close with a thunder strike — our intent was clear ⚡ early goal!

Fishersgate pushed back, but Lauren and Nyssa were superb at the back — strong in the tackle, calm under pressure. When a dangerous ball slipped through, Bash sprinted out with total authority to clear it - smash 💥Moments later, Chloe B played a perfect pass into Chloe H, who drove forward and combined with Naomi for a gorgeous one-two. Naomi tucked it away with confidence. 1–0 to us! 🔥

We continued to play with style: Lucy P to Fran to Jo to Naomi, Naomi turned and hit it, but was denied by a good save. Fran was on the attack again, running halfway up the pitch, beating two defenders, but this time hitting the side netting. Defensively, Sheena supported Bash brilliantly to shut down another attack. Then fresh legs came. First, Nicky got stuck in immediately. Rachael H ran the ball up the wing, passed to Jo, Jo’s shot was parried by the keeper, and Nicky fired the rebound just over the bar, unlucky!

Then Mel came on and was everywhere, winning challenges, covering space, pushing us forward. Steph and Sophie slotted in with calm, composed touches. Steph threaded a great ball into Rachael H, who whipped in a cross for Fran, who shot just wide. Before the break, Sheena released Sophie, who drove forward and set up Steph for a shot that was blocked.

Half-time: 1–0, and fully deserved ✅

Second Half:

We picked up where we left off. At the back, Bash, Sheena, Chloe B, Mel, and Nyssa worked tirelessly to shut down wave after wave of pressure.

On the attack, Rachael H, Nicky, and Fran combined brilliantly again, setting Rachael H up for a strong run and shot that just missed the target.

Fishersgate managed to equalise with a well-placed pass and finish. 1–1, game on.

The last stretch was tense!! Fran, Jo, and Naomi drove us forward again and again, creating chances, pressing hard, and refusing to settle. Chloe B ran her legs off, putting tackles in! Sheena, Mel, and Lauren protected Bash like their lives depended on it. Everyone dug deep 💪

But the whistle went.

Penalties (NOOOOO 😳🫣🤣)Time for composure. Time for Bash to shine ✨

Penalty Shootout: Cool Heads…

🐟 Fishersgate Pen 1 — goal ⚽

🐦‍🔥 Chloe H stepped up first for us — calm and clinical — goal ⚽

🐟 Fishersgate Pen 2 — off the post ❌ (Bash did enough to put the player off!)

🐦‍🔥 Naomi rolled hers under the keeper — goal ⚽

🐟 Fishersgate Pen 3 — over the bar ❌

🐦‍🔥 Fran hammered hers with total confidence — goal ⚽

🐟 Fishersgate Pen 4 — goal ⚽

🐦‍🔥 Lucy P stepped up bravely — saved 🧤

🐟 Fishersgate Pen 5 — goal ⚽

🐦‍🔥 Rachael H stepped up with all the pressure on her… and smashed it high into the net —unstoppable! ⚽🔥

We win 4–3 on penalties 🐦‍🔥🐦‍🔥⚽⚽

Absolute scenes. ⚽🔥🥳

Every single one of us —Bash, Sheena, Lauren, Nyssa, Chloe B, Rachael H, Jo, Lucy P, Chloe H, Naomi, Fran, Mel, Steph, Nicky, and Sophie — played a massive part in this result. We worked for each other all game long, from the first-minute rain to the final whistle.

Huge thanks to Jude, Steve F, and Vic for coaching, running the line, and supporting us throughout the match. And to Jade, who came down to support us. Legend 😘😜

What a way to launch our cup journey. Phoenix are up and flying. 🐦‍🔥🥳😘❤️💪 Bring on the next game!!