EPL ICE HOCKEY:

Manchester Phoenix 4 Telford Tigers 5 (after OT & pens)

Manchester Phoenix’ unbeaten home run came to a shuddering halt on Sunday, after a shock defeat to lowly Telford Tigers.

Tigers, who were languishing in the bottom three of the EPL coming into the weekend, had proved tricky opposition in the past, but Phoenix, despite being without injured defenceman Robert Schnabel, were expected to win comfortably having already run into double figures against Peterborough, Slough and Sheffield in previous weeks.

Phoenix were eager to get back to winning ways after Basingstoke Bison inflicted a second defeat of the season on Saturday night. Goals from Michal Psurny and Tony Hand were not enough to prevent a hard-working Bison side taking both points with a 4-2 win.

It was Tigers who took the lead after 11 minutes on Sunday night with a goal through Marek Mikusovic, but Phoenix dominated the second period, starting with a goal from Tony hand just two minutes into the second session. However, Tigers bounced back to regain the lead with a goal from Callum Bowley on 27 minutes.

Phoenix again drew level through Andy McKinney less than a minute later, and two goals from Robin Kovar gave Phoenix a 4-2 lead after two periods. But Tigers once again proved to be a tough prospect, fighting back with goals from Taylor on 47 minutes just after Phoenix had a Michal Psurny effort disallowed, and Nathan Salem made it 4-4 with 10 minutes remaining.

With no further goals in regulation time or overtime, it took penalties to break the deadlock when Callum Bowley stepped up with the game winning shot.

Phoenix stayed in top spot courtesy of a regulation point and Guildford Flames being on the wrong end of a 6-3 upset at home to Slough Jets, but will be anxious to get back on track, having now taken just three points from the last eight available.

Phoenix take on Bracknell Bees next Sunday 27 October, starting at 5.30pm.