EPL ICE HOCKEY:

Manchester Phoenix 3 Slough Jets 2

Manchester Phoenix took top spot in the EPL this weekend after two hard-fought wins against the Slough Jets.

Phoenix continued their flying start to the season but were made to work hard for the points by a tough Jets team that pushed them all the way.

Two goals from Liam Chong, and markers from Richard Bentham and Tony Hand gave Phoenix a 4-2 win away in Berkshire on Saturday night, and at home on Sunday it looked like they would continue where they left off when Frantisek Bakrlik swept in the opener for Manchester after just three minutes.

In a close, compelling first period, both sides created chances, but Slough equalised through Ales Padelek on 12 minutes.

Neither side was able to settle or build any momentum in a scrappy, goalless second period, but Bakrlik struck again at the start of the third period to put Phoenix ahead. Former Phoenix favourite Ciaran Long hit a brilliant shot past Steve Fone in the Phoenix goal to even the scores again after 47 minutes.

It took a moment of brilliance from Tony Hand to break the deadlock. With Phoenix on the penalty kill eight minutes from time, he took hold of the puck and hit a perfect pass to send Michal Psurny through on the breakaway, and Psurny coolly slotted home the shorthanded goal to give Phoenix the win which maintained their 100 per cent start to the season.

Phoenix will be at home to Peterborough Phantoms next Sunday 29 September and the game starts at 5:30pm.