Manchester Phoenix 4-3 Swindon Wildcats TONY Hand’s Manchester Phoenix completed an impressive three wins in three days on Sunday night after narrowly beating Swindon.

Phoenix, who are neck and neck with Basingstoke Bison in the hunt for their second English Premier League title, secured a valuable six points with only seven games left.

Three goals in the opening twenty minutes put Phoenix in control with goals from Robin Kovar, James Archer and Hand.

Jonas Hoog brought the visitors within two with a powerplay goal but Frantisek Bakrlik restored the home sides three goal cushion.

Two late goals from Aaron Nell gave the Cats hope but Phoenix held on for the points.

On Friday, Hand’s side edged Sheffield Steeldogs 3-2 with goals from Michal Psurny, Kovar and a final minute winner from Captain Luke Boothroyd.

Phoenix then travelled to Bracknell on Saturday and came away with a 5-1 win. Strikes from Bakrlik (2), Kovar, Ben Wood and Robert Schnabel gave the visitors the points.

Hand said after the win against Swindon: “I am really proud of the lads for their efforts. It was a hard game at the end of a tough 3 day schedule. I thought we were tremendous in the first period and all credit to Swindon for coming back at us.

“I have, however, become bemused of late by some of the calls by officials and have asked the league to look into the officiating. I am getting players come to me in frustration, asking about some decisions.”