MANCHESTER Phoenix bounced back from the disappointing pre-Christmas loss in Cardiff with a tremendous backs-to-the-wall 5-2 victory in Newcastle on Boxing Day. Missing player-coach Tony Hand and second line centre Robin Gomez, Phoenix took the game to the Vipers from the start, opening the scoring through a superb short-handed strike from top scorer Johan Molin.
Vipers drew level through Corey Morgan a minute later, and the Phoenix cause was further impaired when Joe Miller received a nasty knock in a collision with Jason Robinson.
Miller took no further part in the game but Phoenix spirits were lifted in the 16th minute as Derek Campbell fired them back into the lead.
Phoenix added a third marker early in the second period as Radoslav Hecl released Adam Walker and the young Scot finished with a superb backhand shot.
Phoenix made it 4-1 on 29 minutes as stand-in forward Simon Mangos tucked home a rebound after a shot from Ales Parez had gone narrowly wide.
Disarray
The Vipers were in disarray and used their time-out to try and stem the Phoenix tide, as Peter Aubry in the home goal was by far the busier net minder.
Vipers fought hard in the final period but the Phoenix kept them at bay with some superb defensive work before Jonathan Weaver reduced the arrears with just over ten minutes to play.
Phoenix retained their composure, soaked up the growing pressure, and sealed the victory when Campbell latched on to an outlet pass to race in one-on-one to complete a magnificent 5-2 road win.
Phoenix bench coach Mike Kiesman said: "This was just the tonic we needed after the loss in Cardiff. It was a tremendous performance in difficult circumstances and all our boys played their hearts out."
Phoenix had gone down 6-4 in Cardiff on Saturday after a disastrous third period. They were leading 3-2 going into the final session but a string of penalties, including a 2+10 for Derek Campbell cost them dearly.
What is your verdict on the game? Have your say.
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Your reporters description of the Boxing Day victory against the Vipers as a 'backs to the wall ' performance is absolute drivel. On the contrary, considering that for most of the game Phoenix had only 11 outfield players available against the Vipers 17 outfielders and that we more than matched them shot for shot is a great tribute to the skill, effort, courage and determination of the Phoenix players, no way was it 'backs to the wall'. This is the best hockey team that Manchester has had for many years and they deserve supporting both now and when the new rink opens at the end of January, the place should be packed out when Phoenix play. Finally, well done to all the supporters who were able to travel to Newcastle, another excellent turn out.