Jets blown out by rampant Phoenix

Monday, 31st January 2011

Manchester Phoenix 5 Slough Jets 1

Manchester Phoenix strengthened their position at the top of the English Premier League at the weekend with back to back wins against Basingstoke Bison and Slough Jets.

After Tom Duggan struck in overtime on Saturday to give Phoenix two priceless points after a hard-fought battle with a determined Bison side, hopes were high that the winning momentum could be carried into Sunday’s home game against the Jets, who have always been tricky opponents.

But the game could not have started any worse when Jets took the lead after just 22 seconds when Doug Sheppard netted from an assist by Adam Calder. Phoenix regained their composure, and the rest of the period was an even battle, with plenty of chances at both ends. Like previous encounters between the two sides this season, the speed and skill level of the game was high, and there were plenty of chances at both ends. It was Slough, though, who took the lead into the first interval.

The game turned on an eight minute spell in the second period, during which Phoenix took complete charge. Marcus Kristoffersson grabbed the equaliser for Phoenix just a minute into the period, and followed up with a go-ahead power play goal on 24 minutes.

Man of the match Kristoffersson struck again for his hat-trick half way through the game, and Jets coach Pete Russell was forced to call a time out to allow his shell-shocked side to regroup.

It was Phoenix who took advantage of the break, however, when Joe Miller drove to the net for a superb individual effort on 37 minutes to give Phoenix a 4-1 lead going into the second break.

The game became a much more even affair in the third period, but confidence had clearly been shaken among the Jets players. While the Jets defence – especially Jan Krajicek, who took Slough’s man of the match award – stood firm, opportunities in front of the Phoenix goal were limited, and on 52 minutes Curtis Huppe latched on to a pass from Joe Miller to complete a comprehensive win for Phoenix.

Phoenix player coach Tony Hand said: “I said before this is all about character, and we showed plenty tonight. We were sent an early warning when Jets took the lead so soon, but we kept our composure, played our game and eventually took charge.

“I was very pleased with Joe Miller’s contribution this weekend. He got a couple of goals and assists, and he is already offering us new options, which keeps our play fresh.

“We are not travelling next weekend before our home game against Bracknell on the Sunday, so this will be a great opportunity to take stock of where we are and rest some sore bones.”