Ladislav Harabin nets Phoenixs only goal of the game

Greg Wood made an explosive return to Altrincham last night – netting twice to give Sheffield Steeldogs a 4-1 victory over Manchester Phoenix.

The former Phoenix man opened the scoring in a feisty match that saw Phoenix player-coach Tony Hand drop the gloves with Sheffields Craig Elliot.

Phoenix started the livelier of the two sides but a minute of madness put them on the back foot early in the first period. Sheffield won a face off and Wood tipped in Andre Payette’s shot and just 48 seconds later Janis Ozolins made it 2-0.

Sheffield were out for revenge after losing to Phoenix at home on Saturday and netminder Ben Bowns was in top form to give them every chance.But Phoenix got their opportunity with five minutes left on the second period when they were handed a five on three powerplay.

Hand worked the puck to Ladzi Harabin who beat Bowns with a fierce slap shot into the roof of the net.

Long and Gomeniuk go toe to toe

Within a minute Sheffield had restored their two goal lead when a defensive lapse allowed Wood the space and time to fire past Steve Fone.

Sheffield played a smart game in the third and the nearest Phoenix came to scoring was a penalty shot from Hand but once again Bowns pulled off the vital save.

With five minutes left on the clock Sheffield wrapped it up when Ozolins scored his second from close range after a series of Phoenix attacks.

The action wasn’t over though and with 20 seconds left Hand went toe to toe with Craig Elliott and this was one contest where the Phoenix man came out on top.

Pictures: Nick Ogden