Canterbury City remain mid-table in the Vandanel Kent County League Premier Division after being beaten 2-1 by Phoenix Sports on Saturday.

Paul Hyde made his debut in goal and new arrival Joe Smith from Whitstable Town started, with Ian Hossick (pictured) back after injury.

Hyde made a number of fine and brave saves but the alterations did little for team understanding.

Phoenix won the three points, despite missing a penalty. They finished the game in the ascendancy and looked the more ambitious side.

They were 2-1 up before half-time and although City had ample time to recover, Royston Gough and Adam Woollcott were not only poorly served but were out-muscled.

Towards the end manager Dave Fairclough moved Dave Read upfield and reverted to a three-man defence, but not even that troubled Phoenix.

An unnecessary free-kick led to City conceding the first goal, but they got back on terms with a Hossick penalty after a handball on the goal line. The visitors recovered their composure and scored the winner after a fine four-man move.

City are away to Bearsted on Saturday.