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Fantastic Phoenix make it a 4 point weekend with a win at in-form Telford

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Telford Tigers 0 - Manchester Phoenix 1

Phoenix scorer: James Archer.

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix came home with the points from a packed out Telford Ice Rink on Sunday night.

A great performance from the team kept Telford in their own zone for long periods and resolute defence contained the fast breaking Tigers forwards.

The first period was end to end with both teams having chances to open the scoring. Declan Ryan in the Telford net and Stephen Fone between the pipes for the visitors both came up with big saves to keep the scoreboard empty. With the referees keeping their whistles in their pockets (only one penalty on each side), the near capacity crowd were treated to an exciting first period which ended 0-0.

The second period followed a similar pattern with both sides having chances to open the scoring but good defence at either end prevailed. Not surprisingly the shots on goal were tied at 22-22 after two periods and an entertaining albeit scoreless game was enjoyed by both sets of supporters.

Into the third period and Telford started on the front foot while Phoenix had to concentrate hard to protect their net. As the period progressed, the visitors slowly took control and were creating the better chances but found Declan Ryan in good form. Frantisek Bakrlik and Timo Kuuluvainen had chances to win the game for their respective teams when both forwards found themselves one on one on the netminder but yet again Ryan and Fone showed why they are considered two of the best netminders in the league by pulling out a great save each. Phoenix had to survive a long 5 on 3 penalty kill with 7 minutes left but the penalty kill unit stood firm and with 57.54 showing on the clock, Phoenix scored the winning goal to send their large following into raptures. Good work by Andrew McKinney set up Ben Wood for a blistering shot and James Archer was on hand to tip the puck into the net, giving the visitors a lead they would hold on to for the remaining 2 minutes and earn an excellent 2 points on the road.

A delighted Player/Coach Tony Hand said after the match:

“A great performance by the whole team tonight and a fantastic result. Credit to every one of the lads. This was always going to be a tough game against the in-form team in the league. They were on a great run of 9 wins in a row and we knew we would have to work all night for a result.”