Phoenix home streak snapped by Flames

Manchester Phoenix 3-4 Guildford Flames

Manchester Phoenix’s home unbeaten run came to a nailbiting halt on Sunday night as the Guildford Flames punished the home side for a lacklustre second period.

The loss means that Phoenix remain top of the EPL by three points but it could have been a seven point lead had they managed to beat the Flames after a brilliant 3-1 win in Guildford the night before.

Three goals in under four minutes by the Flames did the damage with Nathan Rempel, Ben Campbell and Rob Lamey putting the visitors 3-1 up after Marcus Kristoffersson gave Phoenix the lead in the first period.

Tony Hand reduced the deficit in the 33rd minute with a superb breakaway goal only for Matt Towe to score a fourth for the Flames as Phoenix pressed for an equaliser in the final period.

A controversial third goal for Phoenix gave the home side life in the final minutes. Tom Duggan netting from close range with the net knocked out of place by Flames netminder Miroslav Hala.

But Phoenix couldn’t find an equaliser against the hardworking Flames defence and the teams split the weekend’s points.

Tony Hand said after the match: “It was bitterly disappointing tonight, especially after our result on Saturday.

“The game was played at top speed all night, and there was clearly a lack of concentration at times which cost us dearly.

“But we’re still on top, there are still a lot of games to play and we always learn from defeat and come back stronger.”