Robbie Turnbull was reshuffled into the striker role to replace Tippett but it was Jason Cowburn who had the first real chance of the half with long range shot in the 16th min. Cowburn was injured in a poor challenge shortly after and played on but the injury became too much and as a result he was replaced by Graham Kaiser in the 26th min.
The Bears were starting to dominate the game and in the 34th min Robbie Turnbull gave the Bears something to show for their efforts when he slotted home from close range to give the Bears a well earned 1-0 lead.After the goal the Bears looked to go back into their shells and this allowed Phoenix back into the game. Both the Bears and Phoenix had chances before half time but none found the net.
The 2nd half was a case of the all too common for Bears supporters with the side once again letting a half time lead slip. Phoenix drew level in 50th min and then deservedly took the lead with a 71st min goal.
To make matters worse for the Bears poor discipline was also a problem when defender Mick Holt was shown a straight red card mid way through the 2nd half for decent.
With only 4 points being gained from a possible 18 it's essential that the maximum 3 points are taken from the next round or the Semi Final hopes could be in dire straights.
The U/23's offered the only positive of the day with a hard fought 2-1 victory over a highly fancied Valentine Phoenix side. Kurt Tunicliffe equalised for the side and Joel Page scored the late winner to finally give the suffering Bears fans something to cheer about.
U/18's were comprehensively beaten 0-4.
Next week the Bears are again at home against Hamilton Olympic. There is no better time to enjoy a Sunday afternoon at Thomas and Coffey Park and get behind the Bears as they attempt to get their season back on track and end the run of 4 home losses in a row.
Gates open at 9:45 with First Grade kicking off at 2:30 pm.
C'MON YOU BEARS
