Phoenix burned by Flames

Sunday, 16th January 2011

Manchester Phoenix 4 Guildford Flames 5

The EPL title aspirations of Manchester Phoenix took a hefty blow following thrilling back-to-back defeats against Guildford Flames this weekend.

Phoenix’ failure to capitalise on this season’s final meetings between the title rivals saw their lead at the top of the table cut to just two points.

Coming off the back of a close 2-1 overtime defeat in Guildford on Saturday, Phoenix flew out of the traps with a goal after just two minutes by Marcus Kristoffersson, as he slotted home a wonderful pass from Ladislav Harabin.

But Flames came back with slick, strong counter attacking that forced the normally reliable Phoenix defence – and net minder Steve Fone- into a host of errors, and had turned the game around by the end of the first period with goals from Nathan Rempel on seven, fourteen and seventeen minutes.

Phoenix took the game to Guildford in the second period, and Curtis Huppe reduced the arrears on 24 minutes. When Pavel Gomeniuk smashed in a power play equaliser on 35 minutes, the momentum swung with Phoenix, but they were unable to make the increased possession count and it was Guildford who regained the advantage three minutes into the third period when Flames man of the match Rempel – who looked dangerous every time he went forward – bagged his and Flames’ fourth.

Phoenix applied more pressure and Flames net minder Miroslav Hala pulled off a string of fine saves, but gaps were appearing at the back and Guildford’s ability to break at lightning speed created constant danger.

It was Matt Towe who put the tie beyond Phoenix when he scored Guildford’s fifth, seven minutes from the end. Curtis Huppe bagged a late power play goal for Phoenix with 80 seconds remaining, but Flames ran the clock down to grab four priceless points for the weekend.

Phoenix player coach Tony hand said: “The guys gave everything but we paid for our errors tonight.

“But we are still two points clear at the top of the league and there is plenty of character in this side. We’ll bounce back.”