Phoenix Iced By Sheffield
Phoenix 0 - Sheffield 8
Phoenix U-18s had their toughest pair of matches so far this season last weekend and sadly, two comprehensive reversals to dent their bright start to the campaign.Saturday’s encounter saw the Steelhawks bring a talented squad to Altrincham for a top of the table clash. The visitors outplayed their hosts for much of the encounter but some outstanding netminding by Matt Leeming kept Phoenix in it during the first period. Of the twenty nine shots that rained in on the home ‘keeper in the first period, just one found the net, Josh Gent working the puck home in the 17th minute.
Sheffield doubled their lead seconds into the middle spell through Chris Sykes. Phoenix responded positively, enjoying more possession in a good ten-minute spell and twice went close before falling into penalty trouble. With both Joe Greaves and Jordan Bannon sitting two minute minors, Tom Squires and Andy Hirst hit powerplay strikes twenty seconds apart in the 33rd minute to further increase the Steelhawks’ lead. Worse was to follow as the third period got underway.
As Manchester’s heads went down under some concerted Sheffield pressure, Squires neatly carved through the home defence to hit two short handed solo goals in the 41st minute to put the tie well beyond reach. Further strikes from Squires and Gent in the final ten minutes completed the 0–8 rout.
On Sunday, Phoenix took the long drive to the North East to face a full strength Whitley Bay team featuring several players normally to be found on their English National League roster. The Braves are always a tough nut to crack in their own barn and Manchester couldn’t have got off to a worse start. Within thirty seconds Whitley’s Callum Watson powered through to put the home side ahead. A spell of frantic end-to-end hockey followed with the Braves always looking dangerous on the break. The eighth minute saw Nathan Salem outpace Phoenix down the right wing and centre for Jack Watkins to score the Braves’ second. Phoenix soaked up some intense pressure and gradually found ways of containing a strong, physical side. Two powerplay opportunities for the visitors relieved some of the pressure, but Phoenix were unable to make them count as the first period closed.
The middle period opened in the same way as the first with Nathan Ryder tallying with just 24 seconds having elapsed. A 2+10 minute penalty on Braves Steven Hewitson gave the Phoenix a chance and they gleefully took it - Alex Pugh going close before Joe Greaves found the net in the 24th minute to open the Phoenix account.
Despite this boost the team couldn’t find the momentum to make further progress and two mid-period goals from Salem and one from Bobby Mole put the Braves well in front at the second break.
A further brace from Salem in the third were followed by Manchester’s best period of play. Matching Whitley’s more physical style, the visitors began to find some rhythm, but the fixture was already well beyond their reach, and Phoenix returned home empty handed.
A Phoenix spokesman commented, “Sheffield iced one of the strongest U-18 sides in the country today, while Whitley’s physical style was a big ask for our Sunday road trip. Naturally we’re disappointed with the results, but the squad will learn lessons from these fixtures and come back stronger in the weeks to come."
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