Phoenix strike Lightning

Sunday, 19th February 2012

Manchester Phoenix 5 - Milton Keynes Lightning 2.

Phoenix scorers: Ciaran Long, Juraj Faith, Tom Duggan, Ladislav Harabin and Martin Cingel.

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix played the Milton Keynes Lightning in an English Premier League match at the Dome on Sunday night. The visitors were at full strength and Phoenix were still missing Tony Hand and Stephen Wallace.

Phoenix got off to a great start as they pressured the MK defence from the first face off. They took the lead on 2.09 after Tom Duggan found Jaroslav Spelda free for a shot. Ciaran Long was on hand to put Phoenix in front as he sent the puck past Baz Hollyhead. The MK nettie was beaten again on 6.05 when Juraj Faith was alone at the back post to turn in a pass from Slava Koulikov. Phoenix were totally dominating play and increased their lead to 3-0 on 8.55 with a Tom Duggan goal, assisted by James Neil and James Archer. Milton Keynes called a time out to try and settle things down. The pep talk seemed to work as there was no further scoring in the period, Phoenix leading 3-0 and outshooting Lightning 21-7.

Phoenix continued their onslaught in the second and scored a fourth goal 1.51 into the period when Ladzi Harabin scored with a trade mark shot. Slava Koulikov picked up an assist on the goal. It could have been worse for MK five minutes later when a Spelda rocket pinged off the post. Lightning upped the physical side after this and started to come back into the match. On 34.50, the visitors scored through Grant McPherson as they had their best spell of the game. Phoenix regrouped, settled the defence and finished the period with a 4-1 lead. The period ended with a small altercation between the teams as they headed to the locker room.

Lightning worked hard in the third period, forcing Phoenix onto the back foot and got their reward with a goal on 53.32, scored by Tikkanen, assisted by Norton and Carr. A period of end to end hockey ensued and when Juraj Faith went to the penalty box on an interference call, MK pulled goalie Baz Hollyhead for the extra skater in the final minute to try and reduce the deficit. All was in vain as Martin Cingel became Phoenix’s fifth scorer of the night with a short -handed empty net goal on 59.30.

A very good win for Phoenix which will send them to Guildford for the cup semi final second leg on Wednesday in good spirits.

Man of the match award for Phoenix went to Captain Luke Boothroyd.