Phoenix U-18s Vanquish the Vipers

Tuesday, 27th January 2009

Newcastle Vipers 2 - 3 Manchester Phoenix U-18s'

Phoenix U-18s completed their first double of the season on Sunday, skating out 3-2 winners over the Newcastle Vipers on their home ice on Tyneside.

The game opened uncertainly for the visitors as the Phoenix found it difficult to get into their stride. With Max Drakeley penalised for Elbows in the fifth minute, Vipers' Thomas Etherington made Phoenix pay, converting a pass from Graham Robson to fire the Tynesiders ahead on the resulting powerplay. Manchester were finding it hard to build any momentum as the hometown Vipers appeared wise to their neutral zone interplay and restricted the Phoenix offensive rushes effectively. As the period developed Phoenix adjusted their tactics and a more direct approach began to bear fruit. Ben Brown sent Jordan Bannon clear through centre ice, but Vipers' netminder Chris Snaith got the toe of his skate to Bannon's shot, sending it high over the net. A series of goalmouth surges was thwarted by the Newcastle defence before the close of the first spell, but there was clearly more to come from the Phoenix side.

The middle period opened perfectly for the visitors as within seconds of the restart Oli Bayne equalised at full stretch, converting a feed from Ashton Jenion. Greater support on the puck in the Vipers' zone gave Phoenix longer and more effective pressure on the net and their offensive unit was looking a much more threatening proposition. The impressive Alfie Olinski skated through the middle to go one-on-one with Newcastle's Snaith, but a slash by Anthony Charters pulled him up sharply and the referee blew for a penalty shot in recompense. Amid much baying from the home fans, Max Drakeley took the penalty and was unfortunate to ring the puck off the goal frame. As if in reply, Vipers' Graham Robson netted almost immediately at the other end, restoring the home lead with an unassisted strike past the otherwise solid Matt Leeming in the Phoenix goal.

The final period was undoubtedly Manchester's strongest as the Phoenix continued to grow in confidence with a fluent defence providing plenty of service to the forwards. Josh Healey scored the all-important equaliser in the 43rd minute assisted by Tom Revesz. Four minutes later, following consistent pressure in the Newcastle zone, Oli Bayne bagged his second of the day to put Phoenix ahead for the first time. The visitors controlled the puck, but couldn't extend their advantage despite two late powerplay opportunities. With little over a minute to go Vipers called a Time Out when Ashton Jenion was penalised on a High-Sticking call. The restart saw the Newcastle goalie left on the bench as his team went for the two-man advantage in a last ditch attempt to square the game, but Phoenix held on to register their first victory of 2009.

Phoenix Stats:

Oli Bayne 2+0, Josh Healey 1+0, Ashton Jenion 0+1, Tom Revesz 0+1

Matt Leeming 2/28

Phoenix MVP - Alfie Olinski

Phoenix U-18s Vanquish the Vipers

Phoenix Stats:

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