Armada FC vs Phoenix Town FC
BDFL League Fixture | 17/01/2026 | Kick-off: 2:00pm
Venue: Calthorpe Park Stadium, 257 Edward Road, Birmingham, B12 9LF
Referee: Alex Rushton
Weather: Overcast, 6°C – slight breeze, dry pitch conditions

MATCH SUMMARY
As clouds gathered over Calthorpe Park Stadium, optimism surrounded Armada FC’s first-ever competitive meeting with Phoenix Town FC. A new opponent, a fresh tactical test, and the chance to assert home authority framed what promised to be a high-stakes league encounter.

Armada lined up in a familiar 4-4-2, well-drilled and motivated following an intense week of preparation. However, Phoenix Town imposed themselves early, dictating tempo through physical dominance and direct central play. Despite early resistance, the visitors’ ruthlessness in transition proved decisive, culminating in a sobering afternoon for the hosts.

FIRST HALF
Phoenix Town wasted no time in setting the tone, forcing Armada onto the back foot with a barrage of early pressure. Armada briefly responded around the 6-minute mark, as Ridhwan Ali and Olaolu Erinfolami tested the Phoenix goalkeeper, offering a glimpse of attacking intent.

However, two rapid goals at 16’ and 21’, both carved through the central channel, stunned Armada. Defensive organisation momentarily faltered, and Phoenix capitalised with clinical efficiency.

HALF-TIME SCORE: Armada FC 0 – 2 Phoenix Town FC

SECOND HALF
Any hopes of a reset were quickly extinguished as Phoenix raised their aggression after the restart. Sustained pressure told again on 58’, before further strikes at 68’ and a confidently dispatched penalty on 74’ effectively settled the contest.

Armada’s midfield battled bravely, with Romay Francis leading the charge, winning fouls and driving forward under relentless pressure. That perseverance was rewarded late on.

In the 85th minute, captain Lambros Pardale produced a moment of quality, sliding a perfectly weighted pass through the Phoenix defence for Romay Francis to finish calmly from close range.

Phoenix, however, had the final word, adding a sixth goal at the death to complete an emphatic display.

FULL-TIME SCORE: Armada FC 1 – 6 Phoenix Town FC

MATCH STATS & PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
Despite recording 50% possession, Armada struggled to translate control into threat. Only four shots were registered — 13 fewer than the previous fixture — highlighting Phoenix’s ability to stifle penetration.

Notably, Armada’s goal conversion rate increased to 20%, a 9% rise, underlining improved efficiency when chances did arrive. However, Phoenix’s 26 total attempts ultimately overwhelmed the Armada backline, particularly during transitional phases.

Possession: 50%
Shots: 4
Passes completed: 212
Conversion rate: 20%

The difference lay in aggression, decisiveness, and execution in the final third.

PLAYER AWARDS

STAR PLAYER – ROMAY FRANCIS
A tireless, combative display capped by a composed finish. Francis carried the attacking burden, won crucial fouls, and demonstrated courage and intelligence throughout. His performance embodied Armada’s resilience.

GOAL SCORERS & ASSISTS
Romay Francis (85’) – calm close-range finish
Assist: Lambros Pardale (84’) – visionary through ball splitting the defence

COMMUNITY & CLUB CONTEXT
Beyond the result, Armada FC continues to operate with purpose beyond the pitch. This fixture followed the publication of the club’s 2025 Annual Impact Report, highlighting a year of growth, reach, and measurable social value delivered across Birmingham.

This work sits at the heart of Armada FC Community Services, which continues to deliver food support, wellbeing initiatives, volunteering pathways, and leadership development for local residents throughout the city.

MANAGER’S STATEMENT

“We came into this match prepared and motivated, but Phoenix Town were clinical. The first two goals knocked the wind out of us and from there it became an uphill battle. That said, we saw glimpses of the resilience we’re known for — especially from Romay and Lambros late on. We need to tighten our mid-block and be smarter in possession. The learning curve is steep, but it’s a challenge we’ll embrace. We move forward.”

REFEREE – ALEX RUSHTON
A strong officiating performance marked by consistency and authority. Phoenix’s physicality was managed well, the penalty decision was correct, and the game flowed without controversy.

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS & SPONSORS

Armada FC proudly acknowledges the continued support of:

Hubbub
Asda Foundation
The Kit Plug Teamwear
Mitre
Sported UK
MakHalal
Heart of England

FUNDRAISING & GET INVOLVED
Support Armada FC every time you shop:
? easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/armadafc

Volunteer | Play | Coach
? info@armadafc.co.uk

? linktr.ee/officialarmadafc

REFLECTION & LOOKING AHEAD
While the score line was difficult, the commitment and unity shown until the final whistle reflect the character within the squad. The next training cycle will focus on defensive compactness, tempo transitions, and structural discipline.

To our supporters — your backing matters. Stay with us as we refocus, rebuild, and respond.

FINAL WORD FROM THE TOUCHLINE
Armada FC may have been outplayed, but never outfought. From adversity comes growth. The journey continues — and so does the fight.

#ARMADAFC #BDFL #ARMPHO #Hubbub #GrassrootsFootball #BirminghamFootball