Manchester Phoenix 7 Bracknell Bees 0

Manchester Phoenix comprehensively beat a short-benched Bracknell Bees at the Dome with a powerful attacking performance.

Phoenix were keen to get back to winning ways after a 4-2 defeat away at Swindon Wildcats, but were themselves missing Steve Fone, Jack Watkins and Bobby Chamberlain while Gareth O’Flaherty, signed on a three way deal with Coventry Blaze Elite and NIHL teams, making his home debut.

Phoenix were dominant from the start and took the lead after nearly five minutes with a goal from James Archer. Despite constant pressure throughout the first period, Phoenix could only find the net once more before the break when Frankie Bakrlik doubled the leadwith 14 seconds left on the clock.

Bracknell re-organised during the break and started to take the game to Phoenix in the second period. Declan Ryan continued his good form with a number of key saves and the Phoenix forwards contributed with two more goals. Bakrlik grabbed his second of the evening at the half way mark, and six minutes later it was 4-0 as Robin Kovar got himself on the score sheet with a good finish.

Phoenix regained the momentum in the third and Robin Kovar made it 5-0 early in the period with a neat goal at the back post. The huge crowd were treated to a further two goals as the game wound down. Captain Luke Boothroyd scored from an impossible angle on 51.59 and 29 seconds later it was 7-0 as player coach Tony Hand hit the net, assisted by Michal Psurny and James Archer.

Coach Hand said after the game: “The guys bounced back well after Saturday night’s defeat and I thought we played well throughout. Now we have to re-charge the batteries before two tough games against Peterborough and Milton Keynes.”

Phoenix are at home to Milton Keynes Lightning on Sunday 21 December at 5:30pm.