Coach: Mike Walsh
Manager: David Shutler
Training day: n/a
Training time: n/a
Training location: n/a

Season 2007 Results

Round 16: Glen Eira U13 Phoenix vs Eltham Eagles - Saturday 01 September 2007

The Eltham team were a vastly improved outfit from the beginning of the season and took the game to the Phoenix who were lacking inspiration. The game was a tussle for midfield control with hardly any chances at goal until what looked like an innocuous tackle on the edge of the penalty area was adjudged a foul by the referee, who gave Eltham a penalty kick that was converted giving Tom K no chance. A few minutes later, the Phoenix had their first shot when Henry shot forcefully, but straight at the keeper. Stephen tried a long shot that missed the target, but really there was no penetration and half-time came with the score remaining at 0-1.

The Phoenix looked sharper in the second-half and forced many corners. They were unlucky not to get the ball over the line in an early goal mouth scramble. It was one of those days when half chances were not taken but full credit must also go to the Eltham defence and their keeper who did not make any mistakes. With Michael I also pressing forward in the attack, the Phoenix defence was outrun by the same number 11 who scored earlier in the season who took his chance well. Eltham then nearly grabbed a third but Idan in goal for the first time got a foot in the way. So, the Phoenix ended a fairly successful season with a 0-2 loss.

David
(posted 21:15 05 September 2007 by Dave Shutler)


Round 15: Glen Eira U13 Phoenix vs Berwick - Saturday 25 August 2007

The Phoenix were missing five, yes five, players and Stephen was also confined to playing in goal for the whole match due to an injury sustained during the week. On a full-sized pitch, the ten boys were always going to be fighting for survival. The Phoenix started well and had a couple of early chances with Tom K putting the ball over the bar from close range, but they quickly ran out of steam in the warmest conditions of the season so far. Stephen was keeping goal well, but had no chance with Berwick’s first goal in the fifteenth minute.  From then on, the match fizzled in the heat to a midfield battle with hardly any real chances to either team.  Coach Mike changed a few positions at half-time, but with only ten players, the Phoenix found it difficult to mount a serious challenge to the Berwick defence that kept four players back for the entire game. Without Stephen’s midfield dynamism, the team were unable to create momentum, but full credit must go to the brave ten players for surviving the second-half against the wind and a full Berwick squad and the score remained at 1-0.

David
(posted 21:15 05 September 2007 by Dave Shutler)


Round 14: U13 Phoenix vs Sherbrooke Stingrays - Saturday 18 August 2007

The Phoenix went down 2-1 to a disciplined Stingrays team that fought hard for the ball and defended well. With four regular players missing, the Phoenix knew the task was going to be difficult but they couldn't have asked for a better start when Tom K volleyed the ball home after 8 minutes for possibly the best goal of the season. Danny was put in goal for the whole game and really did an excellent job reading the play well. The Stingrays had a header over the bar and did look threatening but it was a failure to clear the ball by the Phoenix that led to the first Stingrays goal on the stroke of half-time.

The Phoenix suffered another lapse early in the second-half when a high ball was deflected into the Phoenix goal for an own goal. The Phoenix began to press more and more but seemed to lack any bite up front. The Stingrays keeper made a very good save from a breakaway attempt where he just managed to get his fingers to the ball to push it away for a corner. Apart from this though, the Phoenix wasted too many attacks by trying ineffectual long shots and not enough teamwork. Full credit to the Stingrays for winning a '50-50' match and the Phoenix will have to rely on other results to keep hold of third spot in the league.

David
(posted 20:45 07 October 2007 by Dave Shutler)


Round 13: Glen Eira U13 Phoenix vs Lilydale Eagles - Saturday 11 August 2007

This match was the battle between the 3rd and 4th placed teams and the loser could end the season as low as 6th place due to the equality of the competition this year. The Phoenix were relieved to see only ten Eagles players turn up since many of the Phoenix had also been sick during the week. With the wind behind them in the first-half, the Phoenix were expecting to get on top, but a tough-tackling Eagles team with a couple of very skillful players soon showed why they had scored 46 goals already this season. Tom K had a broken finger and Trent took his place in goal and, although the Eagles looked threatening, they only managed a couple shots - one that grazed the outside of the post from close range. This was credit to the strong marking and good formation of the Phoenix defence that rarely allowed the talented Eagles to get any space. The Phoenix should have been at least one up before half-time but they missed an open goal and the Eagles keeper was playing well.

Some good passing four minutes into the second-half led to the Phoenix’s first goal when a low shot from Toby from just inside the penalty area found its way through the defence and beat the keeper. The joy was short-lived as the Eagles gained an equaliser five minutes later when a rare defensive mix-up left the Eagles with an open goal. With five minutes to go and the Eagles tiring but defending well it looked as though the match would finish in a draw. The determination of the Phoenix, however, led to a corner that Toby lifted into the edge of the six-yard box for Stephen to head the ball into the top of the goal for one of the more spectacular goals for the season. The Phoenix pressed forward again and were able to increase their lead with two minutes to go when Toby slotted home with his left foot! The tough tackling took its toll with John Baker limping off in the first half and with Phillip in the final minute chasing a 50-50 ball and badly twisting his ankle in the tackle. With this win behind them and three matches to go the Phoenix could challenge for second spot in the final ladder.

David
(posted 21:45 22 August 2007 by Dave Shutler)


Round 12: Glen Eira U13 Phoenix vs Blackburn Crocodiles - Saturday 04 August 2007

A goal in the first two minutes gave the impression that the Phoenix were onto another goal rout, but the Crocodiles were no ‘easy beats’ and kept their game together to create a competitive and well-fought game. The first goal came from a corner taken by Toby to Stephen who did a clever back header into the six-yard box. The ball was then scrambled over the line by Trent to get his first goal for the season. A few minutes later the same setup led to a header from Stephen being cleared off the line by a rather fortunate backheel from a Crocodiles defender that deflected the ball over the bar.  The Phoenix continued to put the pressure on with the wind behind them, but were unable to score again with the Croc's keeper making some good saves. The Crocs did manage a couple of shots themselves, but Tom K in goal was up to the task. (Note: Tom has had goals scored against him in only two matches for the whole season!).

John B went in goal for the second-half and only touched the ball once, but the Crocodiles were by no means out of the match. They defended well but really had no forwards who could penetrate the excellent defending of Michael I, Reilly, Danny, Michael M and Tom P. With eight minutes to go, the Phoenix won a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area that dead-ball specialist Stephen floated over the keeper’s head and was probably touched on the line by Michael but was goal-bound anyway. After last week’s comeback from 2-0 down by Healesville, the Phoenix were not going to give up their lead this time. In the last minute, an excellent shot by Toby was not held by the keeper and Tom K was on hand to knock the ball into the back of the net to notch his fourth goal for the season. 

David
(posted 22:15 22 August 2007 by Dave Shutler)

Round 11: U13 Glen Eira Phoenix vs Healesville - Sunday 28 July 2007

An early kick-off with the rain coming down was the welcome met by the brave 12 players who made it all the way to Healesville. Coach Mike played a 5-3-2 system for the first time this year due to his concern about giving away easy goals.  This allowed Healesville to dominate the midfield and chances for the Phoenix were consigned to breakaway attempts. Healesville pressed hard and were unlucky not to score with many very good opportunities, but great credit must go to Tom K in goal who managed to thwart their attempts. The closest was when Michael I diverted a shot onto the goalpost, which then luckily bounced back for Tom to pick up. Phoenix did create two good opportunities when Toby raced through, but was unable to get any power into his shot and later Trent was also unable to nail the ball from fairly close range. In the 20th minute Toby was deliberately tripped on the edge of the penalty area and Stephen stepped up to take the resulting direct free kick with a curling shot (a la David Beckham) into the roof of the net. This stunned Healesville who rightly felt that they should have been two or three goals ahead.

The second half was a fairly scrappy affair with Phoenix defending well and not giving away any scoring chances. Michael Martin in goal was not really being tested and Reilly, Idan, and John were helping to provide a solid defence. In the 18th minute Toby put in a strong, long range shot that the keeper failed to hold and Tom K was on hand to kick another goal that dribbled through the mud and over the line for a 2-0 lead. The Phoenix supporters and probably the team thought that this was the winning goal but the Healesville coach, however, had not given up and putting his strongest team on the pitch, they fought back against a tiring Phoenix and scored two goals in the last five minutes to level the score at 2-2. In the end it was a fair result considering the number of scoring chances that Healesville had created.

David
(posted 16:00 04 August 2007 by Dave Shutler)

Round 10: Glen Eira U13 Phoenix vs Knox Churches - Sunday 21 July 2007

The first-half was a keenly fought affair on the comparatively lush grass of the rearranged home ground of Mackie Reserve. The Phoenix always looked more threatening, and when Henry slotted home a beautiful left foot shot from a brilliant through ball, it seemed that they were on their way to another victory.  he linesman had raised his flag, however, for a very dubious offside decision and the referee had to acknowledge his call. The Phoenix with their superior fitness and stronger determination to win the contested ball gradually came on top in the second-half and John, in goal for the first time, touched the ball twice in the first five minutes but was not troubled thereafter. With ten minutes to go the Phoenix’s efforts were rewarded when Philip found a route to goal and finally beat the keeper.  Five minutes later, Toby was the last to get his boot on ball in a goalmouth scramble to notch the second and put the result beyond doubt. Again it was another excellent team effort where all players put in and played for each other. There were many fine shots from long range and some excellent defending.

David
(posted 16:00 04 August 2007 by Dave Shutler)

Round 9: U13 Glen Eira Phoenix vs Eltham Golden Eagles - Sunday 14 July 2007

The Phoenix had their biggest win of the season against a depleted nine-man Eagles team. The final score of 10-0 was a true representation of a one-sided match where the Phoenix keeper only touched the ball twice. This gave the team plenty of chances to show their attacking skills and, although everyone wanted to get on the score sheet, there was still a lot of positive passing of the ball. The final scorers were Philip, Michael I (penalty), Carl, Henry, Tom K (2), Toby (2), Stephen and Trent. The defence and mid-field held firm and all players had moments where they were able to show good football skills. Some other encouraging signs were the crossing of the ball into the penalty area where Tom K was twice able to head the ball towards the goal. The Phoenix will not be able to catch the top two teams in the league, but they have plenty of challenging matches left.

David
(posted 21:45 16 July 2007 by Dave Shutler)

Round 8: no report submitted

Round 7: no report submitted

Round 6: Glen Eira U13 Phoenix vs Croydon Rangers - Saturday 16 June 2007

After two defeats in a row, the Phoenix were looking for a big win to get their season back on track. With Stephen in goal for the first half, the team took time to find their shape and Croydon made most of the first attacks, forcing Stephen into two good saves. In the 7th minute, a long ball from the goal area found Toby who took the ball from the half-way line and slotted it past the oncoming goalkeeper for the first goal. The Phoenix had to wait a while for more opportunities and it was a goalkeeping error that Henry picked up and passed to Michael who made no mistake from close range. A third goal was disallowed and both Carl and Toby had some good further efforts and, although the Rangers hit the post, the score remained 2-0 at half-time.

In the first minute of the second-half, Michael was tripped in the penalty area and Stephen, now playing in the field, scored his second penalty for the season. Three minutes later, Michael was again en route for goal, and this time he had no problem in scoring from a well-struck shot. Two minutes after this, Phillip scored a good individual effort, and it seemed as though a rout was going to occur. To their credit, however, the Rangers closed ranks and managed to score a consolation goal of their own and almost grabbed a second with a long-range effort that was just tipped (luckily!) over the bar by first-time keeper, Toby. Ben had probably his best game for the team, with some good runs and some physical tackles. Reilly and Tom P also were noticeably effective. Overall the 5-1 score-line represented a good team effort.

David Shutler
(posted 20:30 24 June 2007 by David Shutler)

Round 5: Glen Eira U13 Phoenix vs - ? Kings - Saturday  02 June 2007

The Phoenix were well beaten by a skilful and experienced Kings side by five goals to one. Some poor marking in defence allowed the Kings to go two up within ten minutes. Coach Mike reverted to a sweeper system that stemmed the flow of goals and the Phoenix came into the game more.  A speculative shot from the left-wing, however, found its way over the defence and a lucky bounce deceived Tom K in goal so that Kings went into half-time with a three goal lead. The Phoenix were the equals of the Kings in the second-half, but couldn’t really find a route to goal despite their superior possession and the Kings stole another goal against the run of play. A penalty was awarded to the Phoenix for a deliberate trip and Stephen slotted home from the spot to give the team some compensation for their efforts. However, another long-range shot from the King's number 14, who dominated much of the midfield play, skidded past Michael in the goal. Three Phoenix players were unable to make this important match and the result may have been different with their presence. The team needs to learn from this experience if they are to improve on their now mid-table league position. The Kings could have scored yet more goals if they had taken all of the chances that they created and there will be more tough games ahead.

David Shutler
(posted 20:14 06 June 2007 by David Shutler)

Round 4: Glen Eira U13 Phoenix vs Sherbrooke Sharks - Saturday 26 May 2007

Up against last year’s champions, a strong wind, a dazzling sun and without their regular coach, the Phoenix were unable to contain a disciplined and skilful Sharks attack and conceded two goals in the first five minutes. Both goals came from the inability to clear the ball from goalkicks and the team were obviously unused to defending against such superior opposition. With the introduction of Stephen, Toby, Carl and Henry, the team settled down and were able to prevent any further goals being scored but made no impression on the Sharks goal with the ball rarely going inside the Sharks half. With the wind behind them in the second-half, the Phoenix came into the game more and managed to get the ball into more attacking positions. Many of these attacks came from the right-hand side, with Carl getting in some good crosses, but there was only one real chance for scoring. The ball was often hit too long and the Shark’s keeper was able to anticipate and safely clear-up any through balls. Michael M. held firm in the Phoenix goal and there was no further score from either side. The Phoenix’s attempts were not helped when the referee blew his whistle to end the game five minutes early due to the late start of the match. The players will welcome back their regular coach next week for a tough match against the new side, Kings, who have not yet been beaten.

David Shutler
(posted 01:24 01 June 2007 by David Shutler)

Round 3: Glen Eira U13 Phoenix vs Eltham Eagles -  Saturday May 19th

In wintry and windy conditions, both sides struggled to play an attractive brand of football. The defences dominated and chances to either side were few with the ball rarely getting inside either penalty area. Only one shot on target was recorded and that was from long-range until Henry, unmarked just outside the six-yard box, received the ball and made no mistake with a good first-time shot. The Phoenix went into half-time with the 1-0 lead knowing that they were to play against the strong wind for the rest of the game.

Accordingly, the Eagles came more into the game in the second-half, but good anticipation by goalkeeper Michael M stopped any real opportunities. In all three games so far, the Phoenix have had a slender lead and it has looked like the games could go either way but with four minutes to go, a great pass from Michael I put Carl on track to goal and he made no mistake with a forceful shot over the keeper’s head. Two minutes later the Phoenix made sure of the result when Trent intercepted the bal and passed to Stephen, who found Henry again in a good position to slam the ball home. With a 3-0 lead the Phoenix relaxed and the Eagles responded with a great through ball. The Eagles number 11 outran our defence, hit a forceful shot which Michael M almost parried away, but the ball trickled over the line as the referee blew for full-time.

Another great team effort from the Phoenix who will have to play at their very best next week against last year’s champions, the Sherbrooke Sharks.

David Shutler
(posted 19:55 25 May 2007 by David Shutler)

Round 2: Glen Eira U13 Phoenix vs Berwick - Saturday 12 May 2007

Using the same line-up as last week, but with the added defending power of Trent, the first half was an even affair with the ball going from end to end. The better chances fell the Phoenix’s way, but shots from Toby, Stephen and Riley could not find the back of the net. Michael I came off early with an injury and without his mid-field dynamism, the team seemed to be struggling until a free-kick outside of the penalty area found its way to Henry, who turned and hit a great shot beating the goalkeeper a few minutes before half-time.

Coach Mike rotated the positions in the second half and Berwick seemed to run out of steam in the fairly hot conditions. The Phoenix dominated the play, but couldn’t increase their score despite a Tom K goal being judged offside. Another scrambled effort by Phillip had clearly crossed the goal line, but the referee was unsighted and waved play on. With Trent, Idan, John and Riley providing a solid defence, the persistent pressure finally paid off when Stephen fought his way through the Berwick defence to put the result beyond doubt, with a fine individual effort two minutes from time. Well done the Phoenix for an excellent team effort.

David Shutler
(posted 20:34 15 May 2007 by David Shutler)

Round 1: Glen Eira U13 Phoenix vs Lilydale Eagles - Saturday 05 May 2007

In a closely fought match, where chances were few, the Phoenix gained a 2-1 win to give first-time coach Michael Walsh a successful start. The team also welcomed five new players Tom P, Idan, Henry, Tom K and Carl, all who were playing their first ever match. The Eagles started brightly, but on the first counter attack in the third minute, Toby slotted a ball into the net to open the scoring for the Phoenix. This rattled the Eagles and gave confidence to the Phoenix, who pressed hard for the rest of the first half creating some clear cut chances that just failed to reach the back of the net. Tom K in goal was little troubled but showed plenty of promise in his few touches.

The second half was a much more even affair and the continued pressure of the Eagles resulted in a penalty that was converted giving Michael M. no chance. Three minutes later though the Phoenix regained their lead when a deflected ball fell to Stephen just outside of the penalty area and he timed a beautiful long shot that curled under the cross bar giving their goalkeeper no chance. The Eagles attacked hard but with Idan’s interceptions in defence and Michael I’s strong midfield play, there was no further score. All the boys made a great contribution with some good attacking runs from Phillip and new boys Henry and Tom K.
Well done team a good start to the season.

David Shutler
(posted 20:22 10 May 2007 by David Shutler)