WINNING Wednesday's Challenge Cup semi-final first leg at Basingstoke would be the ideal way to get over last weekend's double disappointment, according to Phoenix forward Adam Walker.

Phoenix lost 3-2 at Nottingham Panthers on Saturday and then let a two-goal lead slip against the same opponents at the Altrincham Ice Dome on Sunday - eventually going down 4-2.

But Walker said the Challenge Cup provides Phoenix with a welcome distraction from the Elite League, and the fact that Phoenix have never progressed beyond the semi-finals is a big incentive.

"We played really well on Saturday and were unlucky not to win then and it was a similar scenario on Sunday," said the 22-year-old Scot.

"We're focused on the Challenge Cup now and we really want to go on and win it.

"We know that Basingstoke are missing some guys so, hopefully, we can take advantage of that and bring them back to Manchester for the second leg with a positive result."

Phoenix are favourites to reach the final but Walker warns that the Elite League basement-boys will be up for the clash.

"There are no easy games at this stage to be honest but we're confident we can go there and win if we play well," he added.

Phoenix host the Bison in the second leg on Sunday, February 15. Tickets are available on the club's website.