News

Phoenix unable to complete comeback in MK

Saturday, 28th November 2015

Manchester Phoenix travelled to Milton Keynes Lightning on Saturday evening, missing forward Stanislav Gron but welcoming Richie Bentham for his second appearance of the season in a Phoenix jersey.

MK grabbed an early lead through Jordan Cownie at 1:55 although Phoenix grew into the game as the period wore on without being able to make a breakthrough.  MK doubled their advantage on 17 minutes as Blaz Emersic thundered a shot past Steve Fone.

Phoenix responded early in the second period on the Powerplay, as a good passing move saw Michal Satek set up Nico Aaltonen at 22:17.  The one-goal deficit was short-lived as first Grant McPherson at 25:26, then former Phoenix favourite Frankie Bakrlik on 27:04, followed by Leigh Jamieson at 29:07 made it 5-1 to the home side.  The goals continued to flow as Robin Kovar reduced the arrears at 31:08 but Cownie netted his second of the game at 37:35 to make it 6-2 with 20 minutes to play.

Phoenix produced a spirited fightback in the third period, as Aaltonen completed his first hat trick in Phoenix colours, firstly converting a pass from James Neil at 43:15 and then scoring on the rebound at 47:31 after a Kovar shot was saved.  The home side resisted further pressure and added late goals from Emersic at 51:47 and Bakrlik at 58:51, both on the Powerplay.

Phoenix are on the road again tomorrow night at the Telford Tigers, with a 6pm face-off.