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Bison vs Phoenix

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Basingstoke Bison 3 Manchester Phoenix 1

Phoenix scorer: Ciaran Long

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix's long unbeaten run came to an end in Hampshire on Saturday night when they lost 3-1 to top of the table rivals Basingstoke Bison.

Phoenix started brightly but were soon a goal behind after a mix up behind Stephen Fone's goal turned the puck over and Bison forward Joe Rand took full advantage to make it 1-0 on 2.27. Phoenix were making chances but found netminder Stevie Lyle in top form. The visitors' best chance of the period fell to James Neil on the powerplay after 4 minutes but Lyle brought off another fine save. Bison went 2-0 up after 12.05 when Ondrej Pozivil slipped when trying to clear the puck and player-coach Doug Sheppard blasted the puck past Stephen Fone. Despite outshooting their hosts 9-7, Phoenix went to the first break two goals down.

Phoenix made a great start to the second period with a fine goal from Ciaran Long after just 2.31 of the period. A great hit in the corner by Andy McKinney released the puck to Richard Bentham who found Long in front of the net. Neat stick work by the young forward bamboozled Lyle as the puck was neatly struck past the goalie for 2-1.

Phoenix then had their best spell of the game and a great skate by Scott McKenzie nearly brought the equaliser. However it was Bison who scored the all-important next goal with a powerplay marker by Doug Sheppard. There was no further scoring and the period ended with the home side retaining their two goal advantage.

Phoenix had plenty of the play in the third period but the Bison defence stood strong and Manchester could not find a way through and the game ended without any addition to the scoresheet.

Phoenix will be looking to bounce back on Sunday as they take on Milton Keynes Lightning at the Dome, face off 17.30hrs.