FIVE wins from six games over the Christmas period has pushed Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix back into the title race.

Phoenix, who now trail leaders Basingstoke Bison by only two points, secured victories over rivals Sheffield, bottom club Telford, Slough and a penalty shoot out victory over Peterborough before Sundays 6-3 win over Bracknell.

Their only reversal came in Sheffield on Saturday where Phoenix failed to recover from going down 3-0 early and eventually lost 8-4 However, Phoenix ensured they closed out 2012 with a win the following night and edged closer to the league leaders.

Bracknell opened the scoring as they applied the early pressure but four straight goals from James Archer (2), Tony Hand and new signing Derek Campbell had Phoenix in control at the first break.

Fellow new signing Bari McKenzie added Phoenix’s fifth before Bracknell countered with goals from Martin Masa and Alan Lack.

But Campbell, signed as injury cover from Sheffield Steeldogs, had the final say of the night with Phoenix’s sixth goal completing an excellent night’s work for the Canadian as he finished with two goals and three assists.