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Under-14's lose out in 9-goal thriller
Manchester Phoenix 4 - 5 Newcastle Vipers
Newly promoted Manchester began their home campaign with an edge-of-the-seat loss to the fast-skating Newcastle Vipers on Saturday night.
Alex Nash in the home goal was quickly in action saving from Vipers dangerman Sharp, but it was the home side who drew first blood in the second minute as Joe Armstead netted assisted by Judy Browne. And with Josh Sweet in the penalty box, Phoenix doubled their lead with a superb shorthanded goal from Jared Dickinson assisted by Scott Robson at 4.47. The visitors recovered and pegged as goal back as the impressive Sharp scored unassisted and 6.19, before tying the game up with a powerplay goal at 12.15 assisted by Thurston with Armstead serving an Interference penalty.
In the second period, Phoenix regained the lead with Dickinson scoring his second of the game on a powerplay with a superb shot assisted by Callum Greenhalgh. However, the more experienced Geordie outfit maintained their composure to again draw level at 19.23, Josh Young the scorer. Vipers then took control of the game and pinned the Phoenix in their own zone for a sustained period of pressure, before the home side hit back with Dickinson and Bobby Streetly forcing Watson in the Vipers goal into smart action.
The third period was no less entertaining as the Vipers took the lead for the first time shorthanded at 35.06 with an excellent opportunist goal from Luke Shanks. With Shanks then in the penalty box, Phoenix were denied an equaliser as Watson smothered a short range effort from Scott Robson. Vipers stretched their lead to two with less than five minutes to play, Thurston netting unassisted. Phoenix to their credit didn't give up and set up a grandstand finish when Man of the Match Scott Robson scored with a thrilling solo effort. Try as they could, Phoenix couldn't force an equaliser, but were far from disgraced against a very fast and skilled Newcastle side.
Period Scores: 2-2, 1-1, 1-2
Penalties: Phoenix 6 mins; Vipers 10 mins
Phoenix Man of the Match - Scott Robson
Vipers Man of the Match - Sean Bamling