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Phoenix battle hard to keep London winless

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Manchester Phoenix took a valuable two points from Friday night’s trip to the capital despite a brave and valiant effort by the still winless London Racers.

Debutant Mark Bultje opened the scoring and his Phoenix account in the 17th minute and just over a minute later assisted on a picture-book tic-tac-toe passing move with Mark Lovell that ended with Mika Skytta doubling the Phoenix lead. The Racers reduced the arrears early in the second period as Mark Scott tallied and Phoenix left it late in securing the points as Darcy Anderson’s long range effort on the empty net didn’t come until just two seconds remained on the clock.

Phoenix coach Rick Brebant commented, “that was probably the ugliest win we’ve had so far this season – it was definitely not a game for the purists. I give London tremendous credit though, considering they have still to collect their first win, I thought their effort was tremendous and they made my players work hard for the points.”

Brebant added, “Of course Mark with a goal and an assist on his debut will make the headlines, but we got another terrific goaltending display from Jayme Platt and once again, I was delighted with the contribution from my younger players. This was a battle and they were not found wanting – very pleased with them and very pleased with two points that move us back up to fifth in the table.”

Debutant Bultje noted, “Obviously, it was nice to score and contribute in what was a tough game. We’ve got games in hand on all the other clubs, we just need to be sure we make the most of them and secure as high a place in the table before the playoffs.”