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Battling Phoenix lose to league leaders

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Manchester Phoenix 3 - Telford Tigers 5

Phoenix scorers: Robin Kovar, James Neil and Jack Watkins

J Davidson sponsored “Men of Iron” Manchester Phoenix battled all night but were unable to stop the Tigers taking the points back to Shropshire. 

A bright start by Phoenix was rewarded with a power play goal on 3.31 after Jonathan Weaver was penalised for hooking. Frankie Bakrlik found Robin Kovar in front of goal and a rocket shot blasted past Tom Murdy to send the home crowd wild. Johan Burlin went to the penalty box for interference on 11.17 and a minute later Nathan Salem hit the equaliser, assisted by Richard Plant and Sam Zajac. 2 minutes later the visitors took the lead with a Blahosav Novak goal. Assists went to Dan Davies and Rupert Quiney. Phoenix then lost Michal Psurny to the injury curse as he went to the locker room, not to return. The period ended with no further scoring and the visitors out-shooting Phoenix 24-8. Plenty of possession for the visitors with the home defence working their socks off to keep Phoenix in the game.

Phoenix took more of the game to Telford in the second period and deservedly equalised on 25.27. Defender James Neil scored his first goal of the season with a crisp shot after assists by Tony Hand and Adam Walker. Telford were always looking dangerous and took the lead again after 31.48. Frankie Bakrlik was penalised for a hook and the Telford powerplay took advantage for the second time in the game. The play started with a blatant offside not given by the officials. Nathan Salem worked well with Jonathan Weaver to find Sam Zajac in the right place at the right time to find the net. The home crowd were furious as everybody in the rink apart from the officials saw the offside. That was it for goals in the second period but the home crowd revelled in a massive mid-ice hit by Ben Wood on Rupert Quiney. End of an even second period and Tigers maintained their one goal lead at 3-2.

Any hope of a home comeback appeared dashed after just 1.21 of the third period with a goal from ex Phoenix forward Scott McKenzie. However the tiring short benched home side found some more energy on 50.55. James Archer passed to Shaun Thompson who whipped the puck across the edge of the crease and Jack Watkins fired it past Tom Murdy to again make it a one goal game at 3-4. Tigers finally extinguished home hopes on 53.30 with a 5th goal scored by Joe Miller, assisted by Scott McKenzie.  The game ended 5-3 to Telford but the faithful showed their appreciation of a fantastic effort by Phoenix by standing as one to applaud their favourites round the ice.

Coach Hand said after the game: “I could not be more proud of the lads tonight. They gave their all and worked so hard all evening. Credit to Telford, they are a good side and used their bench to good effect all game. We will take positives from this game and put some good practice in during the week in preparation for the Bison and Steeldogs games.

Phoenix have a double header away weekend coming up with games in Basingstoke and Sheffield.