CHALLENGE CUP RECAP

This article first appeared in the Camden New Journal, 10 February 2011:

Published: 11 February, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

Phoenix fired up for the treble

PHOENIX are closing in on the treble after booking their place in the semi-finals of our prestigious Camden Sunday League Challenge Cup. 

The unstoppable side need just a point from their game against Mostyn FC on Sunday to be crowned Division One champions. They’ve also already booked a date with Division Two leaders Athletico Annies in the final of the Senior Cup the following weekend. 

Now Phoenix are just two games away from lifting our Challenge Cup too after beating Lord Southampton 3-1 in the quarter-finals. 

One of the main driving forces behind the club’s success is leading scorer Anthony Clarke, who netted twice again at the weekend and set-up Jake King for the all-important third goal. Striker Clarke has now scored 38 goals so far this season. 

Lord Southampton had threatened a come-back when they pulled the score back to 2-1, but a magnificent goalkeeping display from Daniel Ewens kept Phoenix in the driving seat. 

Manager Dave Harber said after the game: “It would be an honour to lift the Challenge Cup with the bunch of players I’ve got at the moment.

“This is the best squad I’ve ever had, it’s a real pleasure managing them. 

“Anthony has been a huge asset to the club, both on and off the pitch. He’s scored 67 goals in two seasons and behind the scenes he’s helped organised the squad and brought in some top players. I also think that our goalkeeper Daniel deserves a mention. He’s one of the best young keepers in the league, and I’m very proud to have him on the books.” 

AFC Shooters are also in the final four after mounting a remarkable comeback against Cobden Athletic. 

Trailing 2-0 with just 20 minutes left, Marc Monserat turned the game around with a quick-fire double. In the final minutes captain Stephen Parker headed home from close range to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory. 

Manager John Domokos said, “After a hangover-ridden season, Marc finally pulled a big performance out of the bag. The rest of the teams in the competition should now be afraid.”

Athletico Annies and Boundary Estate FC complete the semi-final line-up.