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Sat 08 Jan 2022 · BLACK DRAGON BADGES PREMIER NORTH DIVISION
AFC Phoenix
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AFC Phoenix 0 – 3 Newark Town
Dave Roberts10 Jan 2022 - 11:28
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The Blues overcame determined opposition and a heavy pitch to extend their lead at the top of the Premier North division to four points
AFC Phoenix 0 – 3 Newark Town
The Blues overcame determined opposition and a heavy pitch to extend their lead at the top of the Premier North division to four points.
Town gave a debut to former Clifton midfielder Chanju Mphande with Nathan Arnold leading the forward line and Jonny Wiles returning after missing the last two games.
Newark had by far the better of the early exchanges, Arnold having an early shot pushed round the post by keeper Dillon Thorpe who then produced an acrobatic save to turn away a goalbound effort from the same player. Town went close again when a long ball from Mason Rhiney took a huge bounce which almost caught out the keeper. Mphande was prominent on the left, sparking several promising moves. As Phoenix retaliated a Chris Hopkins shot was deflected for a corner and George Armitage’s cross was hit high and wide by Danny Briggs. As half time approached Thorpe pulled off another outstanding save from Arnold following a Wiles free kick.
Town continued to press after the interval Mphande and Rhiney combining to allow Wiles to whip a low ball across the area which failed to find a finish The visitors rang the changes, Jackson Buckthorp and Lewis Chambers replacing Ben Newman and Ahu Wadada. The pressure finally told in the 65th minute, Rhys Lewis capping an excellent all-round performance as he outjumped the Phoenix defence to head home Mphande’s right wing corner. Phoenix threatened briefly, Harry Haywood at full stretch to keep out Hopkins’ header. Chambers had added a fresh impetus to the Blues’ forward play, putting Arnold clear, his shot needing a last ditch clearance off the line. With 81 minutes played Wiles sent over a long cross which Chambers met with a looping header which beat Thorpe’s despairing dive. Three minutes later the same combination resulted in a diving header from Chambers which sealed the points. Wiles almost created a fourth, another pinpoint cross being headed against the bar by James Gardner.
Town are on their travels again on Saturday, travelling to Doncaster to face AFC Bentley (2pm)
The Blues overcame determined opposition and a heavy pitch to extend their lead at the top of the Premier North division to four points.
Town gave a debut to former Clifton midfielder Chanju Mphande with Nathan Arnold leading the forward line and Jonny Wiles returning after missing the last two games.
Newark had by far the better of the early exchanges, Arnold having an early shot pushed round the post by keeper Dillon Thorpe who then produced an acrobatic save to turn away a goalbound effort from the same player. Town went close again when a long ball from Mason Rhiney took a huge bounce which almost caught out the keeper. Mphande was prominent on the left, sparking several promising moves. As Phoenix retaliated a Chris Hopkins shot was deflected for a corner and George Armitage’s cross was hit high and wide by Danny Briggs. As half time approached Thorpe pulled off another outstanding save from Arnold following a Wiles free kick.
Town continued to press after the interval Mphande and Rhiney combining to allow Wiles to whip a low ball across the area which failed to find a finish The visitors rang the changes, Jackson Buckthorp and Lewis Chambers replacing Ben Newman and Ahu Wadada. The pressure finally told in the 65th minute, Rhys Lewis capping an excellent all-round performance as he outjumped the Phoenix defence to head home Mphande’s right wing corner. Phoenix threatened briefly, Harry Haywood at full stretch to keep out Hopkins’ header. Chambers had added a fresh impetus to the Blues’ forward play, putting Arnold clear, his shot needing a last ditch clearance off the line. With 81 minutes played Wiles sent over a long cross which Chambers met with a looping header which beat Thorpe’s despairing dive. Three minutes later the same combination resulted in a diving header from Chambers which sealed the points. Wiles almost created a fourth, another pinpoint cross being headed against the bar by James Gardner.
Town are on their travels again on Saturday, travelling to Doncaster to face AFC Bentley (2pm)
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