Phoenix grab gutsy win

Nine-man South West Phoenix defied all odds to beat second-placed Ashfield 2-1 at Payne Park on Saturday.

Already missing leading goal scorer Lee Stewart, Phoenix played virtually the entire match a player short after his brother Ryan was red carded for a last-man challenge after just 24 seconds.

Matt Spurling was also sent off for an off-the-ball incident midway through the second half while Ashfield went down to 10 men just moments later.

Jayden Prosser scored a sublime opening goal for Phoenix after 15 minutes when he turned a defender and struck the ball over the goalkeeper from outside the box.

Ashfield got an equaliser about 20 minutes later from a close-range strike after a good period of pressure.

Phoenix took the lead back just before half-time when Ryan Francis slotted the ball underneath the goalkeeper after being excellently played in.

The second half showcased an extreme effort from the undermanned Phoenix.

They were forced to defend for long periods and cleared a late shot off the line, while Ashfield also had an equalising goal ruled out for offside.