Phoenix bounce back to tame the Tigers

Sunday, 23rd September 2012

Manchester Phoenix 3 Telford Tigers 1

Manchester goals: Joaquim Flaten (2) Michal Psurny

J Davidson sponsored Manchester Phoenix bounced back with a 3-1 victory against a tricky Telford Tigers side.

The first period was goalless but chances fell to both sides with Phoenix having the better of things. Local lad Declan Ryan in the Tigers' goal had his usual fine performance between the pipes, keeping out all 10 Phoenix shots. End of the first period 0-0

Telford started the second period stronger than their hosts and put some serious pressure on Fone and his defence. On the half hour Phoenix broke out and clattered the pipes with Ryan well beaten. With 35 minutes gone, Phoenix eased the nerves of the faithful with the opening goal. A great pass from Tony Hand found Joaquim Flaten who one-timed a great shot through Ryan's five hole and the roof nearly came off with relief.
That ended the scoring in the second period with Phoenix heading for their second cup of tea with a one goal lead.

The third saw end to end play for ten minutes then Phoenix scored a second. Tony Hand found Michal Psurny at the left hand post and with Ryan seemingly having all the angles covered, he wristed the puck high into the net for 2-0. Phoenix know all about Telford's resilience and ability to make things difficult for them and this game was no different. The two goal cushion lasted only two minutes as Telford pulled a goal back through Luke Brittle. Phoenix wrapped up the points with 49 seconds left with Flaten's second of the night, scoring from the slot.

Final score 3-1 to Phoenix and the points stay at the Dome, A good performance by Phoenix against a gritty Tigers team.