THREE unanswered third period goals ensured Manchester Phoenix took the points against Guildford Flames on Sunday night.
Tony Hand’s side bounced back impressively after a shutout defeat at champions-elect Telford Tigers 3-0 on Saturday to defeat the second-placed Flames 5-2.
With the scores locked at 2-2 midway through the final period, goals from Bobby Chamberlain, Joe Graham and Robin Kovar sealed the win.
Phoenix opened the scoring with a neat Frantisek Bakrlik finish on the breakaway but the Flames drew level before the first break with a David Longstaff strike.
Chamberlain restored the home side's lead with his first goal of the night, finishing off a rushing move and pass from Adam Walker with a deflected finish.
An early third period powerplay goal from Danny Myers levelled the match before the Phoenix pulled away.
Phoenix forward Robin Kovar said: “We played very well as a team tonight and deserved the win.
"Every player on the team did their jobs and we scored good goals. Now we need to go on and win the cup.”
The Challenge Cup final dates have been confirmed between Phoenix and the Telford Tigers with Hand’s side hosting leg one on Thursday March 12 and the return leg the following Thursday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here