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Phoenix make it a magnificent seven wins in a row

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Basingstoke Bison 0 - 5 Manchester Phoenix

Phoenix scorers: Long x 2, Neil, Archer and Duggan

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix made the long trip down to Basingstoke to meet an in-form Bison in an English Premier League Game. Phoenix too, have been in fine form and went into the fixture on the back of 6 straight wins. Phoenix were still without Tony Hand but Tom Duggan returned to the team.

Phoenix have had the better of games in Basingstoke this season and, despite a lot of pressure in the first five minutes, they took the lead on 5.14 with a speculative shot from the right circle that flew past goalie Stephen Wall. Assists went to Ryan Johnson and Ben Wood. Bison came back at Phoenix but found Stephen Fone in fine form and at the end of the first period, the score remained 1-0.

Just under 4 minutes into the second period and Phoenix scored a fine goal. Martin Cingel found Slava Koulikov behind the net and he sent a pin point pass to the rushing James Neil to score. The small band of travelling fans was in raptures on 26.26 when their favourites made it 3-0 with a powerplay goal. James Neil passed down the wing to Stephen Wallace who whipped the puck high across the front of goal and James Archer got the tip past the floundering Bison goalie. There was no respite for the Bison defence as Tom Duggan kept the puck, despite being whacked and held by the chasing defender, and found the net on30.07. Ninety seconds later, Phoenix went nap with their fifth goal of the night. Ex Bison player Ciaran Long scored his second of the night with another shot high over Stephen Wall. Bison had plenty of chances but Stephen Fone again came up big to send the teams to the locker room at 5-0 to Phoenix.

Phoenix continued to trouble the beleaguered Bison defence and Stephen Wallace hit the post on 43.24. Fone kept his net intact with 10 minutes with an unbelievable save that also had a bit of luck as the puck spun above the net and to safety. Bison did get the puck in the net on 56.36 but it was chalked off for a hand pass. Phoenix closed the game down after that and took the points with a convincing 5-0 win.

Once again, a confident, competent road win for the resurgent Phoenix.

Man of the Match for Phoenix : Ciaran Long.