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Bison edge first leg of playoff quarters

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Manchester Phoenix were narrowly beaten 2-1 in Deeside by league champions Basingstoke Bison in the first leg of their playoff quarter finals.

The first period was a typical playoff encounter; high in intensity and physicality, and with a number of penalties called against both sides.  Phoenix were well organised on the penalty kill, including surviving a 4-on-3 situation, but were unable to take advantage of successive penalties awarded against the Bison late in the period.

The second period was also goalless, despite Phoenix outshooting the Bison 16 to 11.  Stanislav Gron had an excellent chance shorthanded but was denied by Tomas Hiadlovsky before putting the rebound over the bar, before James Neil also saw an effort saved.

The deadlock was finally broken in the third period as Jacob Corson-Heron set up Gron at 43:21 to give Phoenix the lead.  The home side’s joy was short-lived however as Joe Greener scored unassisted just 24 seconds later to level the game.  With a number of controversial decisions going against the Phoenix, Basingstoke grabbed the crucial second goal at 52:46 as Rene Jarolin netted after being set up by Shaun Thompson.

Phoenix were unable to find an equaliser which sees them head into the second leg a goal behind but still with all to play for.

The second leg takes place tomorrow night in Basingstoke with a 6pm face-off.