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Bracknell Bees 3 - Manchester Phoenix 5

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Phoenix scorers: Archer x 2, McKenzie x 2 and Pozivil

Bees without Turner and Phoenix without Stephen Fone with Shannon Long in as back up netminder.

Phoenix made a great start to the match and, after good pressure, took the lead on 6.05 with a goal from James Archer, assisted by Joachim Flaten and Ondrej Pozivil. After a spate of penalties on both sides, Phoenix doubled their lead with a neat finish by Scott McKenzie from a James Archer pass. The Bees replied quickly with a goal from Scott Spearing, who was at the back post to slot home an Alan Lack pass across the crease. James Galazzi was awarded the second assist. That ended the first period scoring at 2-1 to the visitors and a shot count of 13-13.

Bracknell came out with a vengeance for the second period and equalised after just 94 seconds with a fine individual goal by Lukas Smital. Phoenix then faced an onslaught from the Bees, with rookie netminder Jorge El-Hage working hard to keep the scores level. The pressure finally paid off, though, with a goal by Martin Masa, assisted by Shaun Thompson and Lukas Smital, on 30.49. Phoenix hit back with an equaliser a minute later, Scott McKenzie netting his second of the night to make it 3-3. Two minutes later, the visitors took the lead with a goal from Ondrej Pozivil, who was in front of the net to blast a Michal Psurny pass past Carl Ambler in the Bees net. The period ended with Phoenix holding on to their one goal advantage at 3-4.

Phoenix started the third without the injured Robert Schnabel but increased their lead on 41-13 when James Archer scored his team's fifth and his second of the night. Assists went to Scott McKenzie and Tom Duggan. A great rearguard action kept the Bees at bay and Phoenix saw out the clock for an excellent 5-3 road win.

Phoenix man of the match went to Jorge El-Hage for his 35 saves from 38 shots.

A very entertaining game with Phoenix sticking to their task, playing well and coming home with the points.

Coach Hand said after the game: “I am delighted with the win. It was a great all round team effort. Jorge did very well and made good saves at critical times and thoroughly deserved the congratulations from his team mates after the game.”

Phoenix are at home to Milton Keynes on Sunday with the usual face off at 1730hrs.