PHOENIX’S nine-match unbeaten record finally came to an end in Guildford last night.

Phoenix beat the table-topping Flames 4-1 on home ice on Saturday night but the double success, that would have seen them go level on points at the top of the English Premier League table, just eluded them in Surrey.

“It was always going to be tough but we matched them for most of the game, we even outshot them, but in the end we just weren’t able to keep the run going.” – Tony Hand

There was only one goal between the teams with 15 minutes to go last night but as Phoenix pushed forward to try and level the game the Flames took advantage to catch them on the break.

“You never like to lose any game but it was a great performance by the guys,” said coach Tony Hand.

“It was always going to be tough but we matched them for most of the game, we even outshot them, but in the end we just weren’t able to keep the run going.”

Phoenix went two goals down in Guildford before Juraj Faith pulled a goal back before the end of the first period.

Flames restored their two goal advantage in the second period before Tom Duggan pulled it back to 3-2 in the 45th minute.

It was all to play for but Guildford got the break to go 4-2 ahead and then added a fifth with three minutes left as Phoenix tried to salvage something from the game.

Homepage picture: Nick Ogden