Steeldogs 2 Manchester 3 The Bradfield Brewery Sheffield Steeldogs started their three game weekend with a visit from the Manchester Phoenix who were missing Liam Chong and started Doncaster’s Steven Fone in net. Dalibor Sedlar started for the Dogs who were missing Lewis Bell due to injury. The game started at a good pace with no doubt that it was an important match for both teams. Noticeable chances fell to Greg Wood who fired a good shot into Fones pads from close in and Bakrlik who spun and took a good shot from the blue line. The Phoenix attracted the referee’s attention and had to kill a 5 on 3 and having done that there was some vintage Tony Hand which should have led to a goal but the ‘Great One’ passed instead of shooting. In a very balanced period either team could have scored and some good work down the left from Hirst and Korhon led to a relative tap in for Ben Morgan at 17.12 to send the Dogs in 1-0 up at the first break. The Phoenix power-play was a constant threat and whilst Elliott was in the box for hooking, Psurny benefitted from a Hand pass and shot past Sedlar at 23.32. The action flowed from end to end and there was a real tension as both sides looked to take the lead. As the period got close to its end the Dogs got a power-play of their own. Steve Duncombe pressed the puck free, Korhon swooped in and with Fone stranded Hirst banged it home 37.05. The final period began with a lengthy session where Phoenix took control, cycling the puck and waiting patiently to create shooting opportunities. The Dogs matched this with determined defending, sticking to their roles and limiting the chances of the Manchester shooters. Korhorn even managed a 2 on 1 break but couldnt capitalize. The pressure continued on a power play and again Korhorn had a chance but it dribbled wide. The Dogs took a time-out to regroup but ironically it seemed to help the Phoenix with Kovar picking his spot to beat Sedlar shortly after and tie it at 2-2. The game looked like it might need overtime to separate the teams but the Dogs got a chance on an icing infringement penalty and then Greg Wood got called for hooking to swing the advantage back. With just 46 seconds left, there was a scramble in front of Sedlar and the puck appeared to be pushed into the net by a Manchester glove. The goal was given, credited to Boothroyd. The Phoenix return home with the points and the Steeldogs are left to reflect on losing a game to highly dubious goal. Schnabel and Chambers were awarded the Man of the Match awards. A crowd of 1036 witnessed a cracking game and another big turnout is expected on Saturday when Telford Tigers arrive for a 7.30 face-off.
Posted on: Sat, 01 Mar 2014 00:15:19 +0000