The Sheffield Spartans went to second in the league last night after recent wins against Lancashire (last weekend) and Manchester (last night). However they will need to win against Blackburn tonight to keep that place, as Newcastle play Bradford in a game they are expected to win having lost only one game this season.
Last Sunday saw the Spartans face Lancashire, a side who they had already beaten this season 11-1. This game would turn out to be another one sided affair with goals coming from all lines. It was 4-0 after the first period, 12-0 after the second and a further 4 goals in the third period completed the game.
Lancashire is a new team in the ENL this season, and even with a short bench they never gave in and fought hard for every puck.
N.Manning 4+3, Morris 5+1, C.Turner 3+2, Barron 2+1, Hughes 1+2, Lewis 0+3, Handisides 0+3, Haywood 0+3, Millard 1+1, M.Turner 0+1, S.Manning 0+1
Final Score: Sheffield 16 – Lancashire 0
Last night the Spartans made the trip over the Pennines to face the Manchester Phoenix, another new team in the ENL this season. The first period saw the Phoenix score two consecutive goals, catching Sheffield out. The Spartans then replied to bring the score back to 2-1 to complete the first period.
The Spartans came out flying in the second period and were working the puck well, passing around in Manchester’s end. Two goals in the first five minutes saw the Spartans take the lead and controlled the rest of the period, creating a lot of shots and scoring opportunities. The Phoenix goalie Mark Law was in fine form and a number of saves kept the second period at 3-2.
The Spartans continued to control the game in the third with most of the game being played in the Phoenix end of the ice. A point shot from Jamie Lewis saw him score his first goal in recent seasons which extended the lead to 4-2. A deflected point shot from a Phoenix defence man took the game to 4-3 with 26 second remaining, but the Spartans held on to secure the win.
This was a game that the Spartans had expected to win, but the Manchester side was better than expected. They are currently bottom of the league and are yet to get their first win, but their position in the league table is not a true reflection as all of the teams they have faced so far are playoff contenders.
N.Manning 0+3, Haywood 1+0, Bertram 1+0, Lewis 1+0, Morris 1+0, Hughes 0+1, C.Turner 0+1, S.Offord 0+1
Final Score: Sheffield 4 – Manchester 3
Tonight the Spartans will have to be at their best to beat Blackburn, a team that is likely to finish at the top end of the table looking for a playoff spot. Another two points are important for the Spartans to keep the pressure on league leaders Whitley.
November 4th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Dad,dad, i scored, i scored