Monkton Phoenix F.C. 5 vs 0 Whiteleas Hotshots

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Monkton Phoenix kicked off their long awaited Summer 2011 season against an unbeaten and on form Whiteleas Hotshots. Expecting a tough encounter, the Phoenix lads weren&rsquo;t disappointed as Whiteleas started strong from the off and created a few first half chances but were thwarted by &nbsp;some great defending and tremendous saves. Not to be outdone, Phoenix stepped up a gear and were creating some great chances of their own &ndash; most notably an effort by frontman &nbsp;Jake Dawson which just cleared the bar and a great one-on-one Chance from midfielder Charlie McLeod which brought about a great stop by the Hotshots goalie.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">0-0 at half time -&nbsp;Phoenix edging the first half with their possession and the better of the chances.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Changes at half time by the Phoenix Manager saw Callum Corkin introduced to partner Jack Georgeson at the back, Kane Rushton-Doughny pushing up to join Ryan Carling and second half sub Ethan Goss in a midfield trio. Jake Dawson coming off to rest&nbsp; after a dogged first half allowed Alex Reid to lead the line.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">It wasn&rsquo;t long before the changes made an impact with Alex nipping in at the front post to volley in from a great Ethan corner. 1-0 up and the shackles were off! Kane following just a minute later with a goal which lobbed the keeper from out wide after a Phoenix throw in. 2-0 to Phoenix, but it didn&rsquo;t end there. Straight from the Hotshots kick off, Phoenix charged down the ball and Kane's long range effort found the back of the Whiteleas net to make it 3-0. Kane claimed a well deserved hat-trick when he put away Monkton&rsquo;s 4th before coming off to a standing ovation. 4-0 up and coasting, Jake and&nbsp; Charlie were reintroduced following their spell on the sideline and soon it was 5 as Ryan found the net with 5 minutes still to play.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">5-0 the final score.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">A great team performance from front to back!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">One note for improvement to what was a great start to the season - &nbsp;we must remember our passing game even if we are 5-0 up.