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Regular season ends with a goal-fest at The Dome

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Manchester Phoenix 6 - Swindon Wildcats 5

Phoenix scorers: Robin Kovar x 2, Adam Walker x 2, Frantisek Bakrlik x 2

J Davidson sponsored “Men of Iron” Manchester Phoenix and Swindon Wildcats served up a jamboree of goals for the large crowd in the final league match of the season.  

The game started at a furious pace with both netminders called into action in the early stages and it was Phoenix who drew first blood with a quick shot from Frankie Bakrlik to beat Stevie Lyle in the Wildcats’ net. The home side doubled their lead on 7.51 with an outstanding individual effort from Robin Kovar. Taking a pass on the run from James Archer, the big Czech drove in on Stevie Lyle and as he took the puck wide left, deked the netminder and went behind the net to score a neat wrap around goal. Swindon slowly got themselves back into the game and scored three goals in just over two minutes to shock Tony Hand’s troops. Tomasz Malasinski hit the first on 14.44 with a close range finish. This was followed 40 seconds later when Aaron Nell sent a howitzer past Stephen Fone to equalise. Worse was to come for Phoenix two minutes later as the visitors took the lead. Aaron Nell was the scorer again as he finished well, assisted by Floyd Taylor and Loris Taylor. The period ended with both teams going at it toe to toe but without troubling the scorer. 3-2 to the visitors after 20 minutes.

Ex Phoenix captain, Kenton Smith went to the penalty box on 24.12 on a slashing call and Phoenix took full advantage to bring the scores level. Adam Walker was on hand close in to score after good work from Frankie Bakrlik and Tony Hand. Phoenix took the lead again on 26.59 with Frankie Bakrlik finding the net past a screened Stevie Lyle. Assists went to Robin Kovar and Adam Walker. Another end to end period finished with the scores level at 4-4 as Sam Bullas scored with just 6 seconds left on the clock.

The third period was also a furious affair with Swindon working hard to try to gain the one point necessary to clinch 4th place in the league and Phoenix determined to finish their league campaign on a high note. Swindon shocked the home side by taking a 5-4 lead on 47.19 as Loris Taylor hit a speculative shot that deceived Stephen Fone. Phoenix, however, were not to be outdone and equalised on 51.07 with another excellent Robin Kovar effort. Taking a pass on the left from Frankie Bakrlik, he weaved his way past the defence and hit a wrist shot that flashed past the netminder. Adam Walker was given the second assist on the goal. The pace never let up and both teams had chances to win the game as the clock ran down. There were just 26 seconds left when Johan Burlin sent a shot in on Stevie Lyle and Adam Walker was on hand to slot home the rebound for Phoenix’s 6th and the winning goal.

Man of the match Adam Walker spoke to Phoenix TV after the match and said: “That was tough out there. Swindon are a good attacking side and we did well to pick up the points. A four point weekend gives us the momentum going into next weekend’s play off quarter final against Basingstoke. Morale is great in the locker room and everybody is up and ready for the games.”

Phoenix are in action next Saturday night, 28th March in the play-off quarter final first leg, face off at 19:00.