Great Wakering Rovers 1-2 Phoenix Sports

(Johnson 33’: Fairweather-Johnson 4’, Worrell OG 76’)

From Burroughs Park

Ryman North

GREAT Wakering Rovers’ difficult start to the season went on as they were beaten 2-1 by on-form Phoenix Sports.

Rovers had won just one of their first five matches and put up a good fight against the Kent side who have started the campaign so impressively.

And it took them just four minutes to get into their stride, with Theo Fairweather-Johnson crashing home the goal for the visitors.

Wakering grew into the first-half, although it was clear Phoenix were a side with confidence as they passed the ball around impressively in midfield.

But, on the half-hour mark, Rovers were back on terms. Billy Johnson, who has found the route to goal in recent weeks, struck home to put the hosts back in the match.

Phoenix continue to push forward but, despite their best efforts, they were unable to break down a resilient home defence.

The goal did come inside the final 15 minutes, but it was an unfortunate one as Eljay Worrell could only divert past his own goalkeeper to hand Phoenix the points.

Great Wakering Rovers: Belcher, Gardner (Barlow), Worrell, Hilder, Easterford, Spillane, Johnson (Nottage), Banton, Gordon (Pugsley), Nash, Jacobs