Phoenix hold off Lightning fight back

Manchester Phoenix 5-4 Milton Keynes Lightning

Netminder Steve Fone kept league leading Manchester Phoenix six points clear at the top of the English Premier League after a match winning performance between the pipes.

Rotherham born Fone dazzled, especially in the second period, to keep the Lightning at bay until a late surge in the final 15 minutes left the home side clinging on as their lead evaporated.

Goals from Tony Hand and Curtis Huppe gave Phoenix a 2-0 lead at the first break before Huppe and Marcus Kristoffersson added further goals in a second period that for the most part was played in the Phoenix zone as the Lightning laid siege to Steve Fone’s goal. But their efforts proved fruitless as Fone stood tall to keep the visitors score blank.

James Neil increased the home sides lead to 5-0 early in the final period before Milton Keynes seized upon Phoenix easing off the gas. The fight back began with ex-Slough Jets forward Blaz Emersic netting which was quickly followed by a power play goal from Monir Kalgoum.

Adam Carr then capitalized on some lazy Phoenix defending before scoring a penalty shot with four minutes remaining. However an exhausted Phoenix defence managed to keep the visitors from tying the game late and Tony Hand’s side held on for two more vital points.

Phoenix player coach Hand said: “That was tough tonight. Some of the guys were tired, and there were times when we let our concentration lapse and we were punished for it.

“We deserved to be in front, but credit to Milton Keynes, they never gave up and it was a lot closer than it could have been.