Phoenix push their luck but stay four points clear

Tuesday, 25th January 2011

Manchester Phoenix moved four-points clear at the top of the English Premier League thanks to a 6-4 win over Peterborough Phantoms.

A shorthanded goal from player-coach Tony Hand was the difference as his side came from behind on three separate occasions to seal a much needed victory.

It was all the more vital as Phoenix were downed 6-3 by Milton Keynes on Saturday night, leaving the door wide open for Guildford Flames to take over top spot.

But they lost to Basingstoke and Slough meaning Manchester could stretch their advantage – and thank their lucky stars they're still in the title hunt.

Last night, Peterborough's gameplan was to get amongst Phoenix' defence with odd-man rushes, speed and some physical play.

And it worked as veteran Jeff Glowa fired early to give the Phantoms a one goal lead before Marcus Kristofferson equalised on the powerplay. Glowa, who signed with the Phantoms from the Elite League's Hull Stingrays in the off season, then notched a shorthanded goal to put his side back in front on 25 minutes only for Kristofferson to prove he is the hottest shooter in the league by levelling it up.

But Phoenix were having trouble defending their lines and it was no surprise when Peterborough went ahead once again; Luke Ferrara bagging a goal early in the third to shock the home support.

Manchester hit back almost immediately with a coolly taken shot from Stephen Wallace.

And three minutes later Hand skated away whilst his side was a man down to send the puck past Stephen Wall.

His magic seemed to deflate the Phantom's resolve and Curtis Huppe gave Phoenix breathing space on 46 minutes before Tom Duggan put the icing on the cake late on.

It was the sort of victory Phoenix needed after Saturday's reversal at champions Milton Keynes handed them their third loss in a row.

They were 4-0 down after 34 minutes as the rampant homester's offence clicked into fifth gear.

Huppe pulled one back just before the second interval but it was always going to be an uphill task and a double late on from Kristofferson was never going to be enough.

Phoenix player coach Tony Hand said: "We deserved the win on Sunday but you also need a bit of luck. There is a lot of pressure on the guys right now because we are top of the league and every two points are huge.

"But I've said before that we have the character in this side to get the job done.

"We now have to prepare for another huge weekend against Basingstoke and Slough. They have impressive records and will be looking to make up ground on the leaders themselves."