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Phoenix pleased with fourth spot

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Sunday's shootout win over the Cardiff Devils and results elsewhere saw Manchester Phoenix climb to fourth spot in the bmibaby Elite League.

Commenting on the move up the table, coach Tony Hand said, "we played really, really well in both games this weekend and were unlucky to lose in Basingstoke. We should have had at least a point from that game and we deserved the two points on Sunday for a tremendous all-round effort by the guys. We don't get too carried away on the results of any given weekend, this is a great league with some well-matched teams and we know we have to come to work every shift, every period."

Phoenix have been battling against the odds all season as they await the completion of their new home arena in Altrincham and they cannot wait to finally get into their new home and a settled environment.

A club spokesperson said, "Naturally we're pleased to be fourth in the table, but nothing is guaranteed and with both games next weekend in the Challenge Cup semi-final, we'll possibly slip back as the other teams play league fixtures. In terms of the circumstances we've found ourselves in, it's a backs-to-the-wall situation practically every game as our players are travelling to and from training during the week and then our home games are a journey again. So being fourth is great for the time being and we'll enjoy the moment, but it's back to the hard work this week in preparation for the Cup games and they are going to be two huge games against Coventry."

Phoenix travel to Skydome Arena on Saturday for the first leg of the Challenge Cup semi-final tie against the Coventry Blaze with the home second leg on Sunday at Deeside Leisure Centre with a 3.30pm face-off time.