AFC Phoenix United set club record after 23-1 win over Inter Sittingbourne in Havill Sheppey Sunday League
08:04, 31 March 2023
updated: 10:12, 31 March 2023
AFC Phoenix United showed no mercy during a club-record 23-1 victory at Inter Sittingbourne in Division 2 of the Havill Sheppey Sunday League.
Sittingbourne-based United won 13-0 when the sides met earlier this season and, once again, there was a job to do last weekend.
James Harris led the way with six goals, with four apiece for Tom Stew and Tom Ines and doubles from Tom Burney and Will Costick.
Reagan Griffin, Harry Stew, Jack Sturrock, Hayden Kennedy and an own goal completed the tally.
Bourne were briefly level at 1-1 after scoring a penalty but the division’s bottom side had no answer as fourth-placed Phoenix powered clear.
“We didn’t think we’d win by as much as that,” said defender and club secretary Harry Stew.
“It’s a bit of a difficult one because Inter Sittingbourne are a new team this season and they’re having a rough time but we’re just trying to win and score as many goals as possible.
“I can’t remember what the score was at half-time but we more than doubled it in the second half. We had a couple of penalties and an own goal and the rest were scored in open play.
“Myself and Reagan took the penalties as we’re defenders and don’t usually get a chance to score.
“We’re only in our second season but it’s the biggest win we’ve ever had.”
Phoenix were relegated from Division 1 in their first year but have fared much better this term. With three games to go, they’re just a point behind third-placed Sheerness East Sunday.
“We’re hoping to get third,” said Stew. “We made two semi-finals this year, too.
“From where we were last year - we got put straight in Division 1 and struggled - it’s been way better this season.”