Phoenix fend off Bees; Record first win in 4

Manchester Phoenix 5-3 Bracknell Bees

After losing their third consecutive game on Saturday, Manchester Phoenix bounced back with a hard fought 5-3 against Bracknell on Sunday.

Phoenix lost 4-2 away at Swindon Wildcats continuing their up and down start to the new English Premier League season which has been hampered by early injuries.

But Tony Hand’s side gained an important two points on Sunday, fending off a Bracknell fight-back whilst restoring some confidence after only picking up two points from their previous three games.

Hand said after the win, “We needed that. We have been plagued by injuries in recent weeks, and our confidence has taken a knock.”

“It was a hard-fought win, but we knew it would be. Hopefully this can kick-start our season and we can build on it next week.”

Juraj Faith gave the home side the lead with their first shot of the game in the 2nd minute whilst Stephen Wallace and Slava Koulikov also found the Bracknell net before the first break with Shaun Thompson replying for the visitors.

Faith completed his brace early in the second period before a penalty against Phoenix captain Luke Boothroyd sparked a Bracknell fight back. First Peter Jasik netted on the powerplay before Lukas Smital reduced the deficit further.

But in the final period centre Tom Duggan neatly finished off a move with Ciaran Long and restored Phoenix’s two goal lead to seal the points.