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Phoenix tame the Wildcats

Sunday, 2nd October 2011

Manchester Phoenix 3 - Swindon Wildcats 2

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix entertained the Swindon Wildcats at the Dome on Sunday, looking to bounce back after a defeat the previous night in Milton Keynes.

The first 10 minutes were all about Phoenix pressure and Murdy in the Wildcats goal kept the scoresheet blank. Fone in the Phoenix net had to be alert soon after and made 2 great saves in succession. With 7 minutes left in the period Juraj Faith hit the crossbar and the period ended with Phoenix on top but the game remained scoreless.

Phoenix carried on where they left off and took the lead on 22.57 with a Martin Cingel goal. He was on the spot at the back post after great work by Tony Hand and Ladzi Harabin. The home side then doubled their lead with a Spelda rocket from the blue line at 25.01. A rampant Phoenix made it 3-0 four minutes later with a powerplay goal. Martin Cingel converted the chance from in front of the net. Swindon never lie down, however, and they pulled a goal back near the end of the second period when Leigh Richardson netted.

Tension was rising in the rink and when Swindon made it a 3-2 game, as Jaroslav Cesky scored with only 2 minutes gone in the third, you could cut the atmosphere with a knife. Phoenix however, upped their game again and battled through the rest of the game to take the win.

A close encounter with a tough Wildcats team saw both goalies, Steve Fone for Phoenix and Tom Murdy for Swindon picking up man of the match awards.

Phoenix are at home next Saturday, 8th October, against Peterborough Phantoms with a 19.00 face off

Ladislav Harabin stops Ryan Aldridge

Ladislav Harabin stops Ryan Aldridge
(Image: Richard Allan)

Martin Cingel scores Phoenix's first

Martin Cingel scores Phoenix's first
(Image: Richard Allan)

Puck hits twine for Phoenix's third

Puck hits twine for Phoenix's third
(Image: Richard Allan)

Celebrating the third goal

Celebrating the third goal
(Image: Richard Allan)

MVP Steve Fone blocks Michal Pinc

MVP Steve Fone blocks Michal Pinc
(Image: Richard Allan)