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Guildford Flames 5 - Manchester Phoenix 2

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Phoenix scorers: Juraj Faith and Tom Duggan.

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix made the long journey south for their second meeting of the weekend with the Guildford Flames.

Guildford always come out of the traps like greyhounds and tonight’s game was no exception as they took the lead with just 39 seconds on the clock. David Longstaff took full advantage of a turnover behind the net to score. Assists went to Melicherik and Lundin. Phoenix clawed their way back into the game only to lose a second on 12.20. Greg Chambers netted after a defensive mix up, assisted by Matt Towe. Phoenix were always in the game and deservedly got one back on 19.22. Juraj Faith took a shot that was padded out by Mark Lee only for Slava Koulikov to pick up the loose puck and find Juraj at the back post to score. End of the first period 2-1 to Flames.

Phoenix lost another quick goal after 21.58 as David Savage hit the twine. The period was end to end but the better chances were falling to the home side. There was no further scoring in the period and Flames went to the break leading 3-1

Phoenix started the third on top and pulled another goal back on 44.53. Tom Duggan created his own turnover and wheeled into space to shoot past the startled Lee. 3-2 and game on! Penalties on both sides resulted in a four on four play and Guildford hit the all important next goal to lead 4-2. Nathan Rempel picked up a turnover and beat Steve Fone. Despite some good pressure from Phoenix and some good lead up play, Guildford scored again on 46.57. The puck took a horrendous bobble off a Phoenix stick and Ben Campbell went off on a long skate to beat Fone for the final goal of the evening. Final score 5-2 to the Flames.

Phoenix man of the match went to Martin Cingel.

Coach Hand said after the game: “I thought the guys played well all weekend and we just did not get the bounces tonight. Losing a goal on the first shift of the game put us behind the eightball but we battled hard and I am happy with 2 points over the weekend against a good Guildford side.”