So the weekend just gone was a big opportunity for the Phoenix to re-group and get some much needed wins under their belts. Heading in the Phoenix had been on a run of 6 consecutive losses, which had seen them fall to 5th in the table. The weekend wouldn't start easy, the Phoenix had the long trip down to Romford for saturday nights game, other teams seem to find a visit to Rom Valley Way a nice way of collecting two points and inflating their goal difference. The Phoenix seemingly not able to do so having lost both previous visits. This time, however, despite the loss of Ed Courtenay and Stephen Wallace, the Phoenix got the win. Adam Walker netting a hatrick.
Coming onto last nights game, the Romford win injecting some confidence into the team, the Phantoms would prove a tougher test, Peterborough have been putting a good run together. So a win would not be a given!
First Period: The past couple of games have seen the Phoenix nearly conceed a goal from the first faceoff. In the past those opportunities came to nothing, but not against the Phantoms! So after just 40sec the Phantoms took the lead, Maris Ziedins netting the opening goal. The Phoenix re-grouped and began to apply some pressure. The game tieing goal came on the powerplay, I know madness! Andre Mattsson scoring after 6min 07sec. Despite the Phoenix pressure the Phantoms would go into the first intermission ahead, scoring after 8min 36sec through Joe Miller.
Second Period: The Phoenix upped their game in the second period and began to camp out in the Phantoms zone. Despite the pressure the Phoenix just couldn't get past the excellent Stephen Wall in goal. All the pressure began to get at Mr Wall, who became more and more frustrated with his own defence. The Phoenix finally tied the game again after 34min 50sec through an even handed goal from Ian Bowie. The Phoenix then took the lead just under 3min later at 37min 06sec through Robert Lachowicz.
Third Period: I think the Phoenix eased up a little in the third period, as it was not all one way traffic. The Phoenix did, however, extend their lead over the Phantoms this period. After 41min 14sec Adam Walker would get the first of his second hatrick of the weekend. Remarkably the Phoenix would score two short handed goals, and those goals giving Mr Walker his hatrick. His second came after 48min 14sec and the 3rd goal coming after 50min 35sec. The game now won the Phoenix eased off. This of course let the Phantoms in and ensure a tense end to the period. The Phantoms increased their pressure and clawed a goal back after 51min 52sec through Brent Gough. The Pirates then made if 6-4 with 59sec left in the game through Joe Miller again.
Verdict: This game could have easily gone very wrong for the Phoenix, the Phantoms, despite their league position are still a very good team! But, thankfully, the Phoenix have found their ability again! A much needed win, and more importantly a 4 point weekend! What was encouraging was the performance, the Phoenix were creating chances and dealing well in defence. Not perfect but a much improved game. Reasons to be cheerful!
Attendance: A good crowd again in the Dome, ill say 900 in!
Phoenix TV Highlights:
Phoenix 6 Peterborough 4 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 6 Peterborough 4 - MEN Article
Romford 2 Phoenix 10 - Phoenix Article
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