Manchester Phoenix 3-6 Telford Tigers by Kyle Green A man of the match performance from player coach Tony Hand could not save Manchester Phoenix from going down to Telford for the second time at home this season.

Phoenix, who were riding a 14 game home winning streak, also lost 4-2 to Sheffield on Saturday in a weekend to forget for the league leaders.

Sunday’s misery came as Telford, who are the only team to beat the Phoenix at this season, worked hard for their goals and rode some fine goaltending from netminder Declan Ryan.

The Tigers opened the scoring with a goal from former Phoenix forward Scott McKenzie, but hotshot Michal Psurny drew the home side level after a turnover right in front of the Telford net.

But as Hand’s side ran into penalty trouble in the middle period, the game began to slip. Telford netted twice through Rick Plant and Joe Miller. Robert Schnabel reduced the deficit with a powerplay goal but a quick fire double put the Tigers out of reach.

Plant’s second and another former Phoenix star Adam Walker put the visitors 5-2 up at the end of the second period. Hand reduced the gap to two goals when he scored on the powerplay but a bad deflection allowed Telford to restore their three goal lead shortly afterwards.

Phoenix defender Joe Graham said after the match: “We fell a bit short tonight after creating some very good chances. Ryan in the Telford goal had a good game and Telford chased and harried us all night.

“We will now re-group and get focussed for the cup semi final and next weekend’s games.”

Photo 1 - Phoenix face off against Telford on Sunday - by Yolanda Amor Allan