Posted on Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
The Coors Belfast Giants move into sole possession of 2nd place in the bmiBaby Elite League this evening as a brace of goals from Andrew Martin lifted the Giants over the Manchester Phoenix in a rare Tuesday night clash at the Odyssey Arena.
The Giants made it four wins out of five against the Phonix in league action this season and at the same time kept alive any slim hopes they have of winning the league. The game was tight throughout but the home side edged it by the odd goal in three.
Only the one goal separated the teams in the first period and that came at 6.33 from the stick of Andrew Martin (17th). Martin, is certainly making up for lost time as this was his third goal in 3 games since his return from injury. The visitors did have a chance in the 16th minute to get back into the game As Jason Rushton was binned on a 2+2 for accidental high sticks. But on the 4 minute powerplay the Phoenix failed to find a way past Stevie Lyle in the Giants goal.
There wasn”t much between the teams in the second period but Manchester had more of the chances. With the period heading to be goalless super sniper David Beauregard (48th) got the visitors back on level terms at 37.57. Beauregard who has a season best of 50 goals for Port Huron Border Cats in season 01/02 is well on track to create a career best in goals scored.
The Giants regained the lead early in the third period as man of the moment Andrew Martin (18th) was on hand to net at 43.41 what turned out to be the game winner. The visitors did lift goaltender Stephen Murphy inside the last minute but it was to avail.
Period Scores: 1-0, 0-1, 1-0
Penalty Mins: 6-4
Powerplay: Bel 0/2 – Man 0/2
Shots On: Stevie Lyle 39 – Stephen Murphy 38
Referee: Michael Hicks
© 2008 Belfast Giants Limited, unless otherwise stated. Imagery © Michael Cooper Photography.
