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Lovell at the double as Phoenix tie Giants

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Marc Lovell bagged a vital brace of goals on Friday night as the Manchester Phoenix and the Belfast fought out an epic ten-goal tie in the Odyssey Arena.

With Belfast desperate to halt a nine-game losing streak, Phoenix knew they were in for a battle royale but nobody expected the avalanche of goals that occurred. Giants led at the first interval courtesy of Leigh Jamieson, but Phoenix drew level through David Kozier before player/coach Rick Brebant gave them a 28th minute lead. Belfast hit the Phoenix with three goals in eight minutes at the start of the third period as Curt Bowen, Jason Ruff and Todd Kelman tallied, but the Phoenix recovered thanks to Deeside prospect Marc Lovell. He reduced the arrears in the 50th minute assisted by former Altrincham Ace Jason Hewitt and then tied the game at 53.11. Mark Bultje, back from injury then gave the Phoenix a 5-4 lead with just under three minutes remaining only for Giants player/coach Rob Stewart to emulate his opposite number by hauling his side level with less than 90 seconds remaining. Neither side could find an overtime winner and a point apiece from an end-to-end game rewarded both teams for their efforts.

Phoenix player/coach Rick Brebant commented, “With Mike (Morin) not here, it was good to have Mark (Bultje) back in the line-up and we needed him. It was a topsy-turvy game and in the end I’ll settle for a point that could be very valuable for us. Both teams played hard and the fans saw plenty of goals and action although I would hope that we play a little tighter defensively on Sunday against Basingstoke. We have a couple of things to work on for Sunday, but we’ll be ready. Very pleased for Marc Lovell, he works hard and took his goals well at a time when we needed them by driving hard to the net – he has a great future ahead of him.”