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Double encounter with Bracknell Bees for Phoenix

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J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix have their second double encounter with Bracknell Bees this weekend. After meeting twice at the end of last month and sharing the spoils, with a penalty shot win each, the sides meet again at the Dome on Saturday evening and down at the Hive in Berkshire on Sunday.

Bees have been inconsistent this season and have struggled to put a series of wins together. In the last four weekends they have had two 4 point and two 0 points weekends. However they have had wins in Guildford and Basingstoke in recent weeks so certainly cannot be taken lightly.

In goal, they have one of the best pairings in the league in Alex Mettam and Tom Annetts, both experienced EPL netminders. On the blue line, Tony Redmond has moved from Basingstoke and, along with imports Jan Bendik and Pavel Strycek, the defence is beginning to gel to give opposition forwards a problem.

Up front, veteran Lukas Smital is still one of the most dangerous forwards in the league and has 13 goals so far this season. Youngster Ollie Bronniman also has 13 to his name. They also have a physical edge to their game with Chris Wiggins, James Galazzi and Scott Spearing all well-versed in that side of the game.

Phoenix hit top form last weekend against Basingstoke with Frankie Bakrlik back on the goal trail and they will need to be at their best once again to keep up their league challenge

Coach Hand said of the upcoming fixtures:

“Bracknell played very well against us last month and we had to battle hard to get points. They play a hard physical type of game and we need to be ready for a tough match down in Bracknell. Our home form is good and we are making and putting away our chances. The team is healthy and looking for a productive weekend.”