by Kyle Green Manchester Phoenix 4-5 Telford Tigers (After Penalty Shots) PHOENIX player coach Tony Hand was left bemused and frustrated by officiating decisions which seemingly cost Manchester Phoenix victory on Sunday.

Goals from Hand, Andy McKinney and Robin Kovar (2) saw Phoenix leading 4-2 in the third period before they ran into two dubious decisions which turned the tide of a game which Phoenix looked comfortable in winning.

Firstly, the in-form forward Michal Psurny had, what appeared to be, a perfectly good goal washed out by the referee which would have increased the home-sides lead by three goals.

While the Phoenix players protested, the play continued, only to see the visitors reduce the lead to a single goal through Adam Joseph Taylor.

Furthermore, Tigers equalizing goal from Nathan Salem only minutes later was created after a shockingly missed offside call which only fuelled the home-sides anger.

And even though the sides could not be divided in the extra period, the Tigers prevailed in a shootout thanks to a decisive Callum Bowley strike.

Hand said: “Hats off to Telford. They worked their socks off all night and all credit to them. They are always a tough side to beat. However, a couple of decisions by the officials tonight have left me disappointed and completely baffled.

“If this league is to progress something must be done to progress the officials as well.

“Everyone in the rink saw a good goal washed out. It was a game changing decision and as a team we are extremely unhappy with the officiating tonight.”