Phoenix title mission back on track

Manchester Phoenix 6-4 Peterborough Phantoms

After three consecutive defeats Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix are back on track in their pursuit of the English Premier League title.

Phoenix came from behind three times to beat sixth place Peterborough and hold a four point lead over closest rivals Guildford after they failed to earn a point last weekend.

The teams traded first period power-play goals as ex-Hull Stingray forward Jeff Glowa netted in the sixth minute before Marcus Kristoffersson brought the hosts level before the break.

Glowa scored a short-handed goal in the second period to give the visitors the lead once more but again Kristoffersson pulled Phoenix level to leave everything to play for in the final period.

The Phantoms scored first in an end to end third period with Maris Ziedins netting first from distance before Phoenix stormed back with four straight goals to take control.

First, Stephen Wallace equalized for the home side before Tony Hand was gifted a short-handed marker in the 45th minute after Phantoms netminder Stephen Wall gave the puck away behind the net. Curtis Huppe broke in on goal to score Phoenix’s fifth with an expert finish before Tom Duggan added a sixth.

Shaun Yardley added a late consolation for the visitors but with the points safe and Guildford losing 5-3 against Slough Jets, Phoenix extended their lead at the top.