Phoenix extend lead at the top

Manchester Phoenix 5-2 Milton Keynes Lightning

Winger Stephen Wallace scored two goals and produced a man of the match performance on Sunday night leading Manchester Phoenix to a 5-2 win over the Milton Keynes Lightning.

Marcus Kristoffersson opened the scoring in the first period as his slap shot rang of the cross bar and in from a narrow angle before James Archer scored a rebound goal on the power-play for a two goal lead.

Lee Jamieson reduced the deficit with a power-play goal for the Lightning before the end of the first period but two quick goals early in the middle session put Phoenix in control.

Wallace netted the first of his double before Ben Morgan scored a bizarre goal that slipped through Lightning netminder Alex Mettam’s pads from distance.

Lightning closed the gap again with a strike from Andre Smulter after captain Luke Boothroyds stick broke leaving the Phoenix defence open. But Wallace ensured the home side would take a three goal lead into the second break.

The final period saw no further scoring and Phoenix have a three point lead at the top of the English Premier League.
Player coach Tony Hand said: “That was an excellent win for us, against one of the most difficult teams to play against in this league.
“We knew Milton Keynes would be strong and we were right, but we took the chances when they came, and we got two extremely lucky goals.”