Nottingham Leopard U18 vs Phoenix U18

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The second of our away double header weekend at Nottingham, Phoenix started the game quickly for a change and tested the home net minder with some early shots.

Phoenix first goal came after 4.45 after a great passing move, Luke Smith scored for the second day running assisted by Scott Robson and Chris Fox for a 1-0 lead to Phoenix.

Phoenix were now dominating possession and getting shots on target, the home net minder keeping us at bay with some fine saves.

The last quarter of the period was littered with penalties for the home side, Phoenix capitalised on a 5 v 3 power play after 15.42 to make it 2-0, a fine finish by Berwyn Hughes assisted by Jared Dickinson and Sheldon Cassidy.

10 seconds later and another Nottingham misconduct penalty led to the home side threatening to withdraw there team from the game, but play eventually continued and more home penalties ensued, which unfortunately Phoenix couldn’t take advantage of again.

A thoroughly dominant period had ended 2-0 to Phoenix.

The 2nd period started with a Phoenix shot rattling off the inside of the post and bouncing away to safety, we don’t get the luck when we need it.

Phoenix continued to press forward, the game erupted in a flashpoint after 26.18 and a player from each side involved in a fight, both sitting out lengthy penalties.

The 3rd Phoenix goal came after 27.13 a fabulous solo breakaway goal by Jared Dickinson.

More penalties for the home side followed, the stop/start nature of the game was clearly disruptive to the Phoenix pattern of play.

The period ended with the home side getting back into contention but Phoenix basically continued to have the better chances to score.

An ice cut at the end of the second period gave the home side chance to re-group and Nottingham came out in the 3rd period more determined, but Phoenix continued to have scoring chances none of which were taken.

Phoenix then had a couple of penalties and a 3 v 5 situation after 45.56 led to the home side getting a goal back for a 3-1 lead to Phoenix.

After 48.12 Paddy King in the Phoenix net made a fantastic double save at a crucial time to keep the 2 goal lead intact.

Nottingham were suddenly pressing forward and Phoenix stood firm under serious pressure, Phoenix survived a couple of goal-line scrambles to protect the net.

A couple of further Phoenix penalties followed after 49.34 and another 3 v 5 situation led to another great double save by Paddy.

Nottingham were dominating the play now and for the next 6-7 minutes were camped in our zone, some desperate defending followed and bodies thrown in front of pucks to block the home side`s shots.

Phoenix then regained composure at the end to dominate the final 2 minutes to see the game through and a magnificent performance had ended in a 3-1 victory to Phoenix.

The man of the match went to Tom Pickering

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