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Phoenix team effort makes it three in a row

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Basingstoke Bison 1 – 2 Manchester Phoenix 

A last minute powerplay strike from KC Timmons saw Phoenix gain revenge for their opening home game loss to the Bison and see them make it three straight wins in the bmibaby Elite League.

In a game marred by numerous stoppages for running repairs to the Basingstoke ice surface, both teams worked hard to entertain the Saturday night crowd and watching TV cameras from CBC.

Bison were at full strength icing three lines, but it was Phoenix who took a tight first period on a close range finish from player coach Tony Hand in the 16th minute after Bison netminder Stevie Lyle had foiled Joe Tallari.

The home side began the second session at a quick pace and pinned Phoenix back, but the defence superbly backstopped by Scott Fankhouser kept them at bay and Phoenix worked hard to return the pressure onto the Bison defence. On the first of three consecutive penalties conceded by the Bison, Phoenix were denied a second goal when Joe Tallari netted from the edge of the goal crease only for referee Nigel Boniface to disallow it as he thought the goalframe had been dislodged. Bison capitalised on their good fortune, killing the penalties before tying the game in the final minute of the period as Greg Wood finally pierced the Phoenix defence from the slot.

The third period saw Phoenix without Nick Whyatt, and they battened down the hatches playing a smart defensive game and looking to catch the Bison on the break. The team work ethic paid off superbly when Bisons' Brad Cruickshank picked up a late Charging penalty, Phoenix pinned them in their own end before Sean Starke and Jeff Macmillan combined to set up Timmons for the game-winning goal with just 34 seconds left to play.

Bench Coach Davey Graham commented, "We played a very solid road game tonight. Everyone bought into the game plan and it was a very professional performance. I thought we were unlucky with the disallowed goal, so it was good for KC to get on the scoresheet as he's been a bit under the weather this week and this will boost his recovery."