Phoenix Sports FC (H) Match Preview

Punjab United vs Phoenix Sports FC, SCEFL Premier Division, The Steve Cook Stadium, Tuesday 23rd September 2025, 7:45pm Kick-Off

After a break from SCEFL action, Punjab are back at the Steve Cook Stadium to take on Phoenix Sports on Tuesday. Punjab are feeling good after a 3-1 win over Wick in the FA Vase Second qualifying round, Jack Hopkins and Wayne Bushell were both able to get onto the scoresheet, as well as a handy own goal from the opposition to propel us to victory.

This victory marked the 5th game of Punjab's unbeaten streak, and the team will hope to continue that going into this match week.

Our Opponents:

As mentioned, our opposition is Phoenix Sports one of the newcomers to the SCEFL. Phoenix have taken well to their new league and currently sit in 12th place with 3 wins and 4 losses.

Phoenix is home to many stand out players but some rise above the rest and one of those players is Jerson Dos Santos, who has bagged 6 goals for the club this season and netting a brace in a 3-3 draw against Erith.

Another key player for the side has been Lyle Della-Verde, who has scored 5 goals this season so far, and has proved to be clinical from the penalty spot with 2 penalties scored.

Punjab will have to be on the lookout for these players, as they have proved to be some of the best that Phoenix Sports has to offer.

In terms of the managerial side of things, the club is currently undergoing some staff changes, with previous first team manager Darren Anslow leaving the club. In his place, Phoenix have appointed defender Jack Goodman in the role of caretaker manager.

History:

Founded in 1935 as St. Johns Welling, later Lakeside, the club adopted the name Phoenix after WWII to represent its rebirth. Since 1950, Phoenix has been based at Mayplace Road East, Bexleyheath, transforming waste ground into the home it is today. Originally offering both football and cricket, the focus is now solely on football with a thriving youth setup.

Over the decades, Phoenix climbed through local and county leagues, winning cups and earning promotions. Successes included lifting the Kent Invicta League title, a strong FA Vase run reaching the 4th Round Proper, and progressing into the Isthmian League, the highest level the club has played at. Though setbacks like relegation followed, the club has always bounced back, most recently regaining its Step 4 status in 2023 after a dramatic play-off win.

Phoenix has also seen a number of managerial changes, with long-serving Steve O’Boyle guiding the club through some of its best years before stepping down in 2024. After short stints under Keith McMahon and then Darren Anslow, who joined from Beckenham Town, Anslow departed after a brief spell in charge.

Today, Phoenix Sports is proud to be an FA Charter Standard Community Club with a 1-star FA accreditation. With packed mini-soccer on Sundays and a strong community spirit, the club continues to grow while striving to reach even higher levels on and off the pitch.

Getting There:

The nearest train station to Punjab United is Gravesend. You can then either get the bus which takes 30 minutes or get a taxi from the station which takes 11 minutes.

The Steve Cook Stadium

Dunkirk Close

Gravesend

Kent

DA12 5ND

Extra Information:

The Steve Cook Stadium will be opening at 6:45pm, with many products on offer from simple soft drinks to beers. The Punjab Cafe will also be open and offer food and drink.

In terms of disabled parking, it is crucial that anybody who requires it, contacts the Punjab team via email (punjabutdfc@gmail.com). Parking may be busy and can fill quickly, if you do decide to park around residential areas, please be mindful and respectful of residents.

How to follow the game:

There will be live updates during the game on Punjab's’ Twitter / X page.

A post-match interview with the gaffer will also be posted on our YouTube channel and other social media platforms after the game.

Thank you very much for reading, and we hope to see you at The Steve Cook Stadium on Tuesday!

Written by Sahib Singh Khera