Published: 23 February, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

SUPERSUB Justin Pryce came off the bench to score a last-gasp winner on Sunday as Phoenix eked out a 3-2 victory over Athletico Annies in a heart-stopping Camden Sunday League Challenge Cup final.  

Having toppled teams from across Camden and Islington on their way to the grand showpiece, the two sides warmed the frozen fans at Hackney Marshes in an action-packed five-goal thriller.

Two goals in the opening 10 minutes set the tone for an enthralling match.

It was Annies who struck first as captain Jack Shepherd latched on to Alex Mornon’s lay-off to drive the ball home from just inside the area.

Within 60 seconds cup holders Phoenix were level as winger Gio Falzone scored an almost identical goal in a blistering start to the game.

Then, in the closing stages of the first half, Phoenix  had calls for a penalty for hand- ball in the box waved away.

Even Annies’ manager Scott Mills had to admit: “Without the benefit of replays, my initial instinct was that it was a pen.”

At the other end of the pitch, Annies were only prevented from taking a half time lead by the save of the game – as Phoenix goalkeeper Daniel Ewens acrobatically denied Joe Thompson from close range.  

Controversy struck again at the start of the second half as Phoenix were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area.

The decision was compounded when man-of-the-match Falzone stepped up to score his second of the game with a tremendous finish.
“It wasn’t a free kick,” said Mills.

“I don’t remember any Phoenix players appealing at the time – I think that tells you everything.”

With time running out, Annies looked to have forced extra-time when substitute Daniel Glaude equalised with the goal of the game.

He hit the back of the net in spectacular style with a 25-yard screamer.

But there was still time for another twist as midfielder Pryce nipped in to head home a winner in the final seconds of the game.

After watching his team lift the cup for the second year in a row, delighted Phoenix manager Dave Harber said: “It was a tight game and I thought Annies shaded it. But whether the other side is better on the day or not, I’ve got players who know how to win.

“I’ve got to single out Gio. He’s having a tremendous season and is already sitting on 23 goals. He’s got so much ability – I fully expect him to go on and score 35 goals plus this season.

“The squad is well-cemented together and we all do our best to bring success to the club. We’re like a family and that’s why we win so many trophies.

“I want to thank everyone for playing their part.”