Metros still the Lions' roar
Trafford Metros 3 - 1 Nottingham Lions
Nottingham Lions came to the Ice Dome needing just three points from their remaining six games to become champions of the ENL (North) league once again. The relative league positions of the two sides and the fact that the Lions had won the three previous encounters this season may well have given them some confidence that this game would produce two of those points. Despite the disappointment of the draw in Hull the previous week, the determination of the Metros starting play gave them two goals in first twelve minutes, bolstering their self-belief allowing them to finish the game as deserved winners. In a topsy-turvy season in this division, any team seems capable of beating any other; indeed, the Metros have had victories against every team apart from Coventry: and we still have two more games against the Blaze!
The game would prove to be notable for a couple of things: Phoenix Under-18, Jordan Bannon, scored his first ENL goal in just his fifth game for the Metros; and erstwhile Altrincham Ace and Trafford Metro, Simon Mills, joined his Aces/Metros team-mate Kevin Cassidy, to return to the ice after five years absence. The years rolled back and the Mills skills are still there for all to see producing the games insurance goal in the third period.
The period started with Trafford pressing and inside eighty seconds and to everyone's delight, Phoenix Under-18 forward Jordan Bannon scored. The puck was worked through to him in front of the net by line-mates Nick Alley and Jamie Rogerson and Jordan found the back of the net with a precision shot. A couple of minor penalties didn't help the Lions' reaction and the 13th minute saw Max Drakeley and Kev Cassidy combine for Cassidy to shoot on goal. The rebound found Jamie Rogerson who forced the puck home from short-range as Richard Griffiths in the Lions' net couldn't prevent it slipping under his glove and just over the line. Two more minors kept the Lions in their end and Trafford left the ice pleased and determined to carry their two goal lead to the end of the game.
Naturally enough, Nottingham was determined to bounce back in the second period, but Trafford was growing in stature and confidence. Both teams played disciplined and speedy hockey, and the play moved end to end with both sides threatening the opposition goal. Both goalies were in fine form and making some superb saves and both held firm until three minutes remained in the period when unfortunately, Nottingham scored - Joe Wightman from Adam Robinson and Mark Corfield. with the second interval scoreboard reading 2 -1 to Trafford, the third period promised an exciting finale.
And an exciting period it was. Nottingham began to shoot more and, for the first time in the game they would out-shoot the Metros (12 - 6 in the period). Nevertheless the only penalty called in the third frame was a slashing minor to the Lions at 46.58 and just thirty seconds into that power-play, Simon Mills slipped the puck home from John Murray's and Jake Nurse' assists. As the final minutes crept by, the Trafford faithful began to realise that there would be no come-back from the Lions and the Metros would get a result that would cause a few raised eyebrows across the league.
A Metros' official said, "The guys held their shape and played as a team. Everyone wanted the puck and was comfortable with its possession. The fore-checking was a big part of the game tonight; we held Nottingham in their end for what seemed ages whilst changes were made and we re-grouped. We played well defensively and Declan Ryan had another outstanding game in nets. I'm delighted for the team; Jordan Bannon scored his first of what should be many goals and Si Mills scoring in his first game back after five years was icing on the cake. We can look at our remaining games with a confidence that we can overtake the Hawks and move into the middle of the table."
Game Stats:
Game held on Saturday 6th February
Metros Man of the Match: Andy McKinney
Final Score: Metros 3 - 1 Lions Shots on Goal (shots on Metros first): 35 - 36Penalty minutes: Metros 18 Lions 24.
Metros' stats: Jamie Rogerson 1+1, Jordan Bannon 1+0, Simon Mills 1+0, Nick Alley 0+1, Kev Cassidy 0+1, Max Drakeley 0+1, John Murray 0+1, Jake Nurse 0+1.
Nets: Declan Ryan (60 mins) 35/1 (97.14)
