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Phoenix win & loss mixed fortunes

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Edinburgh Capitals 4-8 Manchester Phoenix

Manchester Phoenix 2-4 Sheffield Steelers

Mixed fortunes this weekend for the Manchester Phoenix as a morale-boosting road trip victory in Edinburgh on Saturday was countered by a 'home' ice reversal against the Steelers in Ice Sheffield on Sunday.

Saturday saw Phoenix fall behind early against the Capitals but they hit back in style blitzing the home side with a brace of goals each for Johan Molin, David Vychodil and debut-forward Ales Parez, together with a powerplay marker from captain Scott Basiuk and a first goal in Phoenix colours for Matt Rich.

However, the trip north of the border was not without difficulties as defenceman Radoslav Hecl lasted less than two minutes and forward Derek Campbell left the game early in the final period - both victims of recurring injury problems that would keep from them taking any part in Sunday's clash with the Steelers.

Sheffield, who hadn't played on Saturday, came into Sunday's game fresher than the Phoenix and took a two-goal lead through Maltby and Gustavson. A depleted Phoenix battled hard and Johan Molin bagged his third goal of the weekend to reduce the arrears early in the third period. Sheffield responded through Warren Tait to make it 1-3 and the game looked over when Matlby added his second of the night with less than nine minutes to play. KC Timmons crashed in a superb second for the Phoenix, but it was scant reward for a dogged display from a team hurting with injuries.

Speaking on Sunday, Phoenix coach Tony Hand commented, "Our guys gave it everything they could tonight, but the injury situation is really hurting us and we need to get the guys fit and healthy sooner rather later. It's just one of those things and they couldn't have come at a worse time. Hopefully, the medical staff can work some wonders in time for next Sunday."

Phoenix are next in action on Sunday 19th when they host the Nottingham Panthers in Ice Sheffield, face-off at 7.30pm.