A real nail biter!

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Thriller in Manila, Rumble in the Jungle and then... Magical Mania in Manchester.

The Phoenix U10’s home game against Grimsby was quite simply the best and most entertaining game so far this season. Two evenly matched teams went head to head, end to end, time and time again in a thoroughly enthralling and nail biting contest.

After suffering back to back defeats at the hands of Whitley Bay, the young and new look Phoenix team were out to secure their first win of the season.

The game was a match of three halves! The final score line was 6 – 6 clearly suggesting that the game was tight and evenly matched. However, the Phoenix dominated the first period, Grimsby the second and neither team the third!

The first period was one way traffic; all Phoenix. Taking an early lead settled the nerves of players, coaches and supporters alike. Rallied by cheering fans, the Phoenix continued to build on early pressure and at the end of the first period were feeling confident and comfortable with a lead of 5 - 1.

The Grimsby coaching team clearly gave out a rallying cry and the second period saw the tables turn as the Phoenix defended against a continuous barrage of offensive play by Grimsby. Despite tireless efforts, the Phoenix saw their lead slowly but surely being chipped away. Nervous faces were evident throughout the home supporters. The second period ended with Phoenix holding the slimiest of leads, 6 – 5.

The third period was a classic edgy display, Grimsby looking to take their momentum onto secure a win and the Phoenix holding on for grim life. It could have gone either way!

Under immense pressure, the Phoenix succumbed to a further goal bringing the scores level at 6 – 6. Excellent saves at 6 and 18 minutes into the period by Phoenix Net Minder Harry Brown, kept Manchester in the game. Equally good goal keeping by Grimsby prevented the Phoenix from taking control of the game.

The final minutes were hard for both sets of fans to watch. With a final score of 6 – 6, the Phoenix U10’s will have mixed emotions, overjoyed at securing the first point of the season and disappointed to have let such a strong lead slip away.

As the hooter went signalling the end of the game, both set of supporters spontaneously erupted into cheers and applause; appreciating what was a truly excellent, exciting and riveting game. It was an epic.

Great entertainment from a hard working and improving young Phoenix team.

Game Stats

Period scores: 4-1, 2-4, 0-1

Total PIM: 1-2

Phoenix Scoring: Jordan Griffin 2+0, Dylan Harcourt 3+2, Pierce Thomson 1+0, David Keenan 0+1, Elliot Hunt 0+1, Romeo Nixon 0+1

MVP: Dylan Harcourt

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