Onwards and upwards for Phoenix, who claim gritty 4-3 away win against the odds

His feet had barely touched down back on WA soil from the UK, but South West Phoenix Nick Carter still enjoyed Saturday’s 4-3 upset win over Carramar Shamrock Rovers in Perth.

After picking up their first point of the 2022 State league division 2 season a week earlier against Wanneroo City, the Phoenix burst out of the traps, with Tom Steele putting the visitors 1-0 up inside 12 minutes.

Predictably, the home side fought back — equalising seven minutes later, although the Phoenix restored their lead by half-time courtesy of Corey Barclay and Steele’s second.

All three points were confirmed late on following a coolly taken spot kick from youngster Charlie Betts, who has recently returned to the South West following his college stint in the US.

“Without a doubt, he (Charlie) is one of the best players in the league, if not higher,” Carter said.

“I believe he could play in the NPL WA competition. His dad is our team manager and we knew he was coming back.

“So we made sure he signed up prior to the closure of the transfer window.

“He was one of several lads who put in a really solid performance — as did Tom Steele, who scored a brace. It was good to see all of the lads coming together again.”

Carter was unsure whether the club’s midweek game, due to be held on Wednesday night against Gosnells City, was going ahead at the time of writing, however all plans for Saturday’s home game against Kingsley Westside FC were very much in earnest.

“We have got a target,” he said. “A total of 21 points will avoid relegation, so that is seven wins. This is our goal at the moment, to ensure safety and go from there.

“But when you have been top of the league before, there is no reason to doubt why you cannot go further.”