News

Phoenix come up short against league leaders

Sunday, 31st January 2016

Manchester Phoenix hosted the Basingstoke Bison on Sunday evening for their third game of the weekend, missing James Archer after he took a hit during Saturday’s game in MK.

The league-leading visitors started on the front foot and Ryan Watt opened the scoring at 2:05 with a deflected shot from close in.  Bison netminder Jon Baston made an excellent double save to deny backhands from Ben Wood and Robin Kovar, before Basingstoke extended their advantage through Joe Greener at 15:33.  The Bison were targeted Phoenix forward Michal Satek throughout the period, who received little protection from the officials.

Phoenix got on the scoreboard in the second period as Satek scored on the backhand at 26:33 after being set up by Stanislav Gron.  The visitors went straight up the other end and restored their two goal cushion through a nicely worked goal from Tomas Karpov at 29:55.  Phoenix kept pressing and again responded with a Mark Thomas blast from the blue line at 32:45, with the assist going to Jacob Corson-Heron.  However, a late Powerplay goal from Rene Jarolin at 39:11 put the visitors in control, 4-2 ahead, going into the final period.

Basingstoke put the result beyond doubt in the final period as former Phoenix forward Shaun Thompson converted at 46:01.  Phoenix did manage to get a late consolation as Kovar jinked through the defence before finding the top corner at 54:13 but Bison comfortably saw out the remainder of the game for a 5-3 win.

Phoenix have a rare Saturday night home game next weekend when they host the Sheffield Steeldogs in Deeside with an 8pm face-off.

Getting underway

Getting underway
(Image: Hollie Godber)

Ben Wood places a hit

Ben Wood places a hit
(Image: Richard Amor Allan)

Joe Baird just can't stop hugging Michal Satek...

Joe Baird just can't stop hugging Michal Satek...
(Image: Hollie Godber)

Steve Fone makes a save

Steve Fone makes a save
(Image: Hollie Godber)

Mark Thomas shoots and scores the Phoenix's second goal

Mark Thomas shoots and scores the Phoenix's second goal
(Image: Richard Amor Allan)

Luke Boothroyd chats with Referee Miller

Luke Boothroyd chats with Referee Miller
(Image: Richard Amor Allan)