Phoenix on their way out?

ICE HOCKEY: Manchester Phoenix’ English Premir League Cup dream is effectively over after they were hammered 8-2 by Milton Keynes Lightning in the first leg of their semi-final.

The league leaders were dominant in every area of the ice as they put a nightmare journey from Hertfordshire behind them.

Face-off was delayed by 50 minutes as the Lightning were stuck in traffic but that did little to dampen their spirits as they cancelled out a Joe Graham opener with three first-period goals.

Adam Walker pulled Manchester back into it but that simply caused the Lightning to up their work rate.

Phoenix will hope to shake off the disappointment at home to Basingstoke on Sunday (5.30pm) as they look to stay in the title race.