Published: 5 December, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

PLAYERS from Phoenix FC have been handed the ultimate grudge match after netting “one of the biggest wins in the club’s history” on Sunday.

Driven forward by man-of-the-match Jamie Killingback, the champions of the Hackney and Leyton League beat Turkish side Akincilar 3-2 on penalties in the last 16 of the London Challenge Cup.

The game, at Brimsdown Stadium, Lee Valley, had finished 2-2 in normal time, with Phoenix twice taking the lead courtesy of goals from Niam Essiaghi and Niko Muir.

The team will now go on to face Apoel in the quarter-finals, the team who won the prestigious competition last season, knocking Phoenix out along the way.

Manager Antony Clark said: “I don’t think many people understand how hard it is to beat a Turkish side, especially on their own patch.

“It was a big result, that has been rewarded with an even bigger tie in the next round.

“I have to thank all the players and the staff, without them Phoenix wouldn’t be celebrating the biggest win in the club’s history.”

The team and staff are pictured, above, after Sunday’s big win.