Phoenix close in on first league title.

Manchester Phoenix 6-3 Telford Tigers

Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix are one step closer to securing their first league title in their history after back to back wins against bottom club Telford Tigers.

Phoenix secured a four point weekend with a close fought 4-2 win in Telford on Saturday before beating the same side 6-3 in Altrincham on Sunday.

It took until the final two minutes on Saturday for Phoenix to beat a resolute Tigers who pushed the champions elect all the way. Marcus Kristoffersson netted twice in the closing stages to seal the win but it was a different story on Sunday as Phoenix raced into a five goal lead.

Tigers netminder Martin Clarkson produced some early sparkling saves to deny the Phoenix forwards but goals from Kristoffesson, short handed and on the power play, gave Phoenix a 2-0 lead at the break.

Further goals from Stephen Wallace, Greg Wood and Huppe pushed the home side into a 5-0 lead and cruising to another two points.

At this point Phoenix netminder Steve Fone was replaced by Adam Summerfield to get some rare ice time, but the Congelton born shot stopper was beaten three times quickly as the Phoenix defence went to sleep with Tigers’ Daniel Mackriel (2) and Jack Watkins pulling the visitors back into the match.

However, with Fone back in the net for the final period, Kristoffesson netted his fifth of the weekend with a power play goal to kill the Tigers comeback attempt.

Phoenix now need nine points to clinch the EPL title with Tony Hand’s side holding an eight point lead over second place Guildford Flames.

Player coach Hand said: “I knew we had a tough, tough period coming from the end of January. There have been a lot of high-pressure games, one after another, and it’s taken its toll. The guys are understandably tired.

“But we’re through it and we’re still top. We can have a good rest now, with no game until next Sunday at Sheffield, when we can come back refreshed and focused on the final run-in.”