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Manchester Phoenix 4 - Swindon Wildcats 0 (Agg 6-1)

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Manchester Phoenix scorers: James Archer x 2, Tom Duggan and Stephen Wallace

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix took on Swindon Wildcats in the second leg of the EPL Play-off quarter finals after a narrow 2-1 win in Swindon on Saturday night in the first game.

Phoenix had the luxury of icing a full squad for the first time all season and started as if they intended to put the game to bed early on. After incessant pressure they took the lead on 8.01 with a neat snapshot by James Archer after great work by Stephen Wallace found Tom Duggan to pass to Archer who beat Tom Murdy in the Wildcats’ goal. Despite dominating the game, and outshooting the visitors 16-8, Phoenix were unable to extend their lead and went to the first break 1-0 and 3-1 on aggregate.

Phoenix looked to finish the Wildcats off in the second and scored the vital second goal that broke Swindon’s resolve after 21.03. A superb pass out of defence found Tom Duggan, who in turn found his linemate James Archer who made no mistake for 2-0. With Juraj Faith in the box on a boarding call, Phoenix wrapped up their ticket to Coventry with a delightful short handed goal by Tom Duggan. Jaroslav Spelda found James Archer who fed Tom Duggan in on netminder Murdy and after neat footwork slid the puck into the net for 3-0 timed at 27.12. Two minutes later and the Dome rocked as their favourites made it 4-0 on the night as Stephen Wallace got on the scoresheet to totally demoralise the Wildcats. End of the second and 4-0 on the night and 6-1 on aggregate.

Swindon swapped goaltenders at the start of the third period as Dean Skinns replaced Tom Murdy and managed to stop the rot with 15 saves. Phoenix ran down the clock to end the game at 4-0 and a convincing 6-1 aggregate win that sees the home favourites in Coventry next week for the finals.

Man of the Match award for Phoenix went to the outstanding James Archer who picked up 2 plus 2 points on the night.

Phoenix will now take on close rivals Sheffield Steeldogs in the Saturday night semi final and renew the intense rivalry with Andre Payette’s men.