All the game statistics showed a comfortable Phantoms victory over the #1 ranked NIHL1 North side Sheffield Steeldogs …… but, unfortunately, the one statistical exception was the goals scored and that favoured the Dogs by 2-1 !
Steeldogs claimed the only goal in a dour first forty minutes when Phantoms old boy Nathan Salem scored with just 4:06 on the game. Nearly forty minutes later, Phantoms tied the game through Phantoms MOM Petr Stepanek but then gifted Steeldogs the winning goal with a shorthanded strike on 48:55 ….. the only shot that the visitors had on goal in the entire final period.
Some fans voiced their displeasure on the final buzzer and many more vented their frustration on social media after the game with some suggesting that the technical and tactical game that is the hallmark of coach Slava Koulikov is neither working effectively nor is it entertaining to watch.
Phantoms destiny in the Autumn Cup remains very much in their own hands but they’ll be looking to keep it that way and bounce back in the reverse fixture at Sheffield on Sunday evening.
Game stats HERE