Phoenix v Bracknell Bees 30th December Game Review

Prior to the visit of the Bees The Angry Budgie went off to Sheffield for a bit of a sporting day. Firstly I went to Sheffield United v Hartlepool which, despite the Blades being 1st in the division and Hartlepool being bottom, resulted in a 3-2 win for the away side. Disappointing, but hey ho the Phoenix will win later right? Nope, a collective team fail ensured the Steeldogs would win 8-4. So a crappy day sporting wise! 

Perhaps because of that game, and/or giving him a rest but, El-Hage would start in goal for the Phoenix, facing him Ambler in the Bees net. 

First Period: The Phoenix made a slow start and, for those fans who made the trip to Sheffield, many had shades of that night. The Bees capitalized on their hosts lackluster start and scored a great goal through Lack at 2min 46sec. Thankfully that sparked the Phoenix who went on to own the first period. The equiliser came at 6min 33sec when James Archer scored. The Phoenix, then capitalised on a powerplay, having seen recent homes games this marked a nice change! Derek Campbell continuing his impressive form got the PP marker at 9min 15sec. James Archer got his second of the game at 11min 38sec when he was on hand to tap in the back post to cap a great, flowing, up ice move. Tony Hand would score the Phoenix 4th of the game and end an excellent first period, scoring at 16min 50sec. 

Second Period: The Phoenix continued to press the game and were rewarded with their 5th goal half way through the second session. Barri McKenzie got the puck around the Phoenix blue line and began his run up ice. After making it through 3 Bees players he scored his goal at 31min 32sec. This would be the only goal of the period as the Phoenix looked to close out the game. 

Third Period: As the third period began the Bees upped their effort and ensure they were not wiped out completely. Martin Masa scored early into the period at 41min 10sec and, at the halfway mark, Lack got his second of the game at 50min 50sec to make the score 5-3 Phoenix. The Phoenix were in no mood to be charitable and shut the Bees down. The only further goal came at 56min 07sec when Derek Campell got the Phoenix 6th and final goal of the night. 

Verdict: The game was a great response to the bad loss in Sheffield. it also capped a run of 6 games in 11 days. The Phoenix were clinical at times but coped well with the Bees. I felt sorry for Ambler in the Bees net, the stats won't be kind to him but, in truth, he was hung out to dry by the team in front! Ambler is a good goalie to have behind a hard working team but not good enough to face an entire team by himself! 

Attendance: The holiday season boosted the numbers again, i'll say around 1,200 in the Ice Dome.

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