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Guildford flame-out Phoenix at the Spectrum

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Guildford Flames 4 Manchester Phoenix 3

Phoenix scorers: Shaun Thompson x 2, Frantisek Bakrlik

J Davidson sponsored “Men of Iron” Manchester Phoenix fell to a narrow defeat at second placed Guildford on Saturday night. 

The game started with a goal blitz as both teams scored within a minute of face off. Frankie Bakrlik opened Phoenix’s account with an unassisted goal after 35 seconds but the home side hit back 20 seconds later through Ben Campbell, assisted by David Longstaff and David Savage. The teams traded further goals in an end to end first period. The visitors took the lead again on 6.48 through Shaun Thompson assisted by James Archer and held the lead till 18.20 when David Savage hit the net with assists going to David Longstaff and Ben Campbell. That ended an entertaining 1st period with the scores level at 2-2. 

The teams settled down in the second period and it took until 29.50 for the next goal. It went to the home side. As James Archer sat out a hooking minor the Flames’ powerplay unit made the man advantage count. Roman Tvrdon got the goal, assisted by Marcus Kristoffersson and Branislav Kvetan. They doubled their lead just 2 minutes later as Kvetan scored, assisted by ex Phoenix forward Andy McKinney. That was it for the second stanza and the home side went for tea and biscuits with a 4-2 lead.

Phoenix worked hard in the third period but were only able to hit the net once more on 46 minutes as Shaun Thompson continued his fine form with his second of the night, assisted by Johan Burlin and Adam Walker. Phoenix were unable to break the Flames’ defence again and the home side took the points with the 4-3 victory.