Single Kingston Strike Sinks Phoenix U-16A

Tuesday, 5th February 2008

Manchester Phoenix U-16A 0 - 1 Kingston Crunch

In an evenly matched and highly enjoyable game, played with passion and commitment, Phoenix were unlucky to go down to a single second period Kingston goal.

The goalless opening period was arguably the home side's strongest spell, Phoenix substantially outshooting the Crunch 15 to 4. Fluent passing and fewer turnovers marked a distinct improvement in the team's performance in an organised display of fast, flowing hockey.

The second period saw the Crunch go on the offensive as Manchester got into penalty trouble. Bob Browne in the home goal did well to keep a clean sheet as Kingston launched a 5-on-3 with Manchester's Harry Sims and Tom Hammond both in the penalty box. Having survived the onslaught playing intelligent hockey, Phoenix went behind after twenty seven minutes during another short-handed spell as Adam Cawkwell shot through traffic with Browne unsighted. Shortly before the second break Kingston's Adam Broadhurst picked up a 2+10 penalty that set up the Phoenix for a commanding start to the final period.

Crunch's William Yorston skated to the box on a Hooking call moments after the powerplay ended to give the Phoenix a significant spell with a man advantage, and they laid siege to the Kingston net. With AJ Davis in the Kingston net looking unbeatable, Phoenix became increasingly frustrated as the Crunch anxiously defended their lead. Although the game threatened to boil over, both sides stuck to their tasks. Despite pulling their keeper in the final seconds, Manchester were unable to find a way back in an encounter that neither side deserved to lose. The Phoenix U-16A squad outplayed their opponents for significant spells of this game, but failed to make their chances count. A sharper presence in front of the net will be on the agenda for training sessions over the coming weeks.

Single Kingston Strike Sinks Phoenix U-16A

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