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Revenge win for Phoenix puts them back on top of the league

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Manchester Phoenix 7 - Guildford Flames 4

Phoenix scorers: Michal Psurny 3, Tony Hand, Andy McKinney, Luke Boothroyd and Robin Kovar.

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix bounced back to the top of the league with a resounding 7- 4 win over the Guildford Flames.

Phoenix came out strong, looking to impose themselves on the game, but found the Flames were just as determined and the crowd were treated to an end to end tussle. The home side took the lead on 6.02 when Michal Psurny behind the net found the rushing Tony Hand and the veteran forward hit a sweet shot past James Hadfield in the Flames net. Flames then had a very good spell of possession and Stephen Fone had to be on top form to keep them out. Flames deservedly drew level on 13.18 through Ben Campbell, assisted by Marcus Kristoffersson and Milos Melicherik. That finished the scoring for the first period with the Flames looking slightly the better side.

Once again Phoenix came out strong and took the lead on 21.22. Luke Boothroyd found Andy McKinney and his shot flew past James Hadfield for the go ahead goal. Flames bounced back immediately when Tom Duggan continued his one man crusade against his former club with the equalising goal on 22.09, assisted by Jozef Kohut. Another ex Phoenix player, Dean Holland, inflicted more pain on his former employers with a third goal for the Flames, assisted by Stuart Potts, timed at 26.57. Phoenix were stunned by this and went on an unanswered three goal rampage with goals by Michal Psurny, Luke Boothroyd and Robin Kovar to end the period with a healthy 5-3 lead.

Phoenix totally dominated the third period, putting the excellent James Hadfield under tremendous pressure. They were rewarded with a Michal Psurny double to give him his first hat trick of the season. Flames scored a fourth goal through Marcus Kristoffersson between Psurny’s efforts. The game finished 7-4 and the large crowd rose as one to acclaim an excellent performance by Phoenix, one that took them back to the top of the league.