Phillips put Plymouth 1–0 up but Carlisle equalised and then subsequently scored the winning goal in injury time courtesy of their goalkeeper, Jimmy Glass.
He recovered and resumed his career, but failed to win a regular starting place and joined Conference South side, Weymouth in January 2001, initially on loan, but on a free transfer two months later.
[2] Over two seasons, Phillips made 67 appearances for Weymouth, scoring 33 goals, attracting attention from a number of higher level sides, including Reading[3] and Yeovil Town (who he had a trial with in November 2002).
[4] On 22 February 2005, Phillips moved to Conference National side Exeter City along with teammate Steve Tully for an undisclosed fee.
[5] Phillips joined local rivals Torquay United for a fee of £17,500 on a three-year deal on 21 June 2007[6] and quickly forged a successful partnership with Tim Sills.