The Blues go marching on!

MATCH REPORT: EASTBOURNE UNITED VS BURGESS HILL PHOENIX BLUE | 31/01/25

FULL TIME: 3 - 2

On Friday 31st January the Blues were up against Eastbourne United Rec in Division 1 of the Women’s Flexi League. We are and always have been very friendly with Eastbourne, especially in the pub after games!

From the kick off it was apparent this would be a tough game.  However, the back line were solid with Chanelle, Nyssa, Becky and Sheena holding firm in front of Bash who was back between the sticks commanding play from the back.

Sheena was able to play the ball out to Fran who cut in to George, who played in Steph, Steph put a lovely ball up to Donna, who just missed. Steph and George were working well in the middle to keep the Eastbourne threat at bay but it was a cagey game with most of the play coming through the middle. Steph played the ball to Nicky, who nudged the ball to Naomi, who floated the ball over the top to Fran. With the offside trap beaten Fran cut back to Naomi who passed to Nicky - shot, save. Phoenix kept pressing for the opener, a free kick saw Steph test the keeper. Then a great run from Donna and pass towards Naomi who was running on to it, just cut out by the Eastbourne defence. A few more lovely balls over to Donna and Fran but we couldn’t get through the defence. Suddenly Eastbourne were on the attack and had a good shot on goal. Bash was equal to it and grabbed the ball from the Eastbourne striker’s toe. Bash quickly delivered the ball straight to Fran, Fran cut inside, offside trap beaten and fired the ball into the top left corner 1-0 Phoenix.

Mel came on for Chanelle and worked hard with Donna to keep their speedy attacker at bay. Mel played the ball out to George, who had a good chance saved. The Eastbourne goalie lofted a ball into the path of their striker. Mel and Becky worked to track back and cut down the angle, Bash came out and got to the ball first but an unfortunate ricochet saw the ball bounce off the player and into the path of another Eastbourne player who slotted the ball in - 1-1. Again, the Phoenix resolve set in and every player was filled with determination. Steph was pivotal in the middle playing the ball up to Naomi who passed to Donna, shot saved. Steph to Nicky - shot just wide. Half time - 1-1.

After the break the game continued as a tense affair, with the Eastbourne high line making chances difficult. Nyssa and Becky were busy at the back shutting down play through the middle. Mel and Sheena were working hard to play out to the wings. While Donna, Nicky, Fran and Naomi worked hard to stay onside. A ball over the top from Steph set Naomi free, running onto goal but the shot was wide. Fran floated the ball into Donna, shot saved. Then a ball played from the middle played over the Phoenix defence saw the Eastbourne attacker one on one with Bash. Bash came out to cut down the angle but unfortunately the ball hit the back of the net. 2-1 to Eastbourne.

“We’ve been here before lads - we know what to do!!”

Rachael and Chanelle came on giving the team fresh legs. They combined well on the right to keep Eastbourne out, then they worked together to play the ball across to George, who played in Donna. Donna nudged the ball passed her defender, shot and scored - 2-2!

Monse came on and within moments she had a great chance from just outside the box, saved by the keeper. Phoenix kept pressing but it was end to end. Monse and George working well in the middle to get the ball upfront. 7 minutes to go and the ball was played out from the Eastbourne keeper. Nicky cut it out, took a few steps forward and pow 3-2 Phoenix!!!!!!!

Thank you to our friends at Eastbourne for such a competitive and enjoyable game.