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Milton Keynes Storm Under 16s (Division 1)
Result: 20th January 2008. Peterborough Phantoms 3 v MK Storm 5
(1-0, 2-3, 0-2)
Milton Keynes completed a double this weekend over local rivals Peterborough, and move back to the top of the league, level on points with Romford and Guildford.
Both teams started the match positively, but MK conceded too many penalties to gain any significant hold on the match. As the period progressed MK started to dominate possession, although their passing game rarely surfaced. Despite good spells of MK pressure, they were unable to capitalize, and Peterborough took the lead (13:48) late in the period with a simply finished passing move.
MK looked a far more focussed and committed unit after the break. When Josh Burgess broke up a Peterborough attack, his pass to Josh Nicklin coincided with a sloppy Peterborough defensive line change, and Nicklin gratefully roared up the ice to score neatly in front (16:22). MK continued to attack, and gradually their teamwork returned. A series of quick passes in the Peterborough defensive zone left Jacob Heron free on the left flank, and his pinpoint cross was turned smartly home by Nicklin in front of goal (20:16). MK continued to press, and Nicklin s tenacity behind the home net resulted in a quick pass to Glen Trivett, who shelved a rasping one-timer to extend the lead (21:19). It looked as though MK would run away with the match, but their penalty hoodoo resurfaced, and two power play goals put the hosts back in the match (34:52 & 37:11).
With the match in the balance, MK raised the tempo in the final period, and Peterborough struggled to compete. Ross Green re-established the lead (34:52) with a storming charge from his own defensive zone, finishing coolly under great pressure. Glen Trivett then broke Peterborough s resistance (37:11) by finishing an exhilirating passing move from Burgess, Nicklin and Heron. In the final minutes, the hosts conceded penalties of their own for once, and MK were able to close out the match without any further surprises.
Ultimately MK won this encounter with something to spare, but their penalty toll in the first two periods of the match made their task far harder than it should have been, against a Peterborough side with little more than honest endeavour to offer. Whilst partisan officiating may have skewed the stats, it is an aspect of their game that MK must improve on if they are to progress. Nonetheless some of the passing and teamwork in the latter parts of the match were genuinely exciting, and with big efforts from all lines, this was a really promising display. Above and beyond the usual faces, special mention should go to Andy Major and Jamie Miller, who had comfortably their best outings so far this season.
MK continue their title challenge with a vital away trip to old friends Swindon this weekend.
SoG Andy Major MoM Chris Chaplen N/M
Josh Nicklin 2+2; Glen Trivett 2+0; Jacob Heron 0+2; Ross Green 1+0; Josh Burgess 0+1; Mitch Starkey 0+1
Shots on Goal: MK 27 Peterborough 23 (MK N/M Chris Chaplen 23/3 86.96%)
Penalties: MK 36 Peterborough 8 |
