Phoenix in show of spirit

ICE HOCKEY: Manchester Phoenix restored pride in the second leg of the English Premier League Cup semi-final, but still went out of the competition 11-5 on aggregate.

Chasing a miracle to overturn an 8-2 loss at home last week, they travelled to Milton Keynes and put in a strong performance to earn a 3-3 draw.

Adam Carr opened the scoring for the Lightning after less than 90 seconds, then Ross Bowers added another to give the home side a 2-0 lead.

Greg Wood and Robert Lachowicz combined for Iain Bowie to score in the 29th minute, but Michael Wales bagged an unassisted marker to make it 3-1.

Ed Courtenay nudged his 45th goal of the season before Lachowicz’s strike secured a draw.