Manchester Phoenix 3 London Racers 1 By Nigel McFarlane: LONDON Racers came to Manchester without a win all season and their dreadful streak continued - but it was very, very close.

In truth, the result flattered Phoenix and was desperately unlucky on London, who certainly deserved a point from the game.

Racers came out for the first period and totally belied their position as the Elite League's basement club, with a hard-working, skilful, big hitting game that had Manchester on the back foot for long periods. Their strength in defence meant that when Phoenix were able to impose themselves more, goalscoring chances were few and far between.

Both sides played a defensive, cautious game, but London stil looked dangerous on the breakaway. Unfortunately, both sides squandered the rare opportunities in front of goal. Mika Skytta and George Awada led the attack for Phoenix, who were still missing Mike Morin and new signing Mark Bultje through injury, but despite carving out small gaps, London's red sea proved too difficult to wade through, and both players constantly disappeared in a mass of defencemen.

London's big hitters such as Brian McLaughlin and Mike McKinnon bossed the first period, and Manchester looked physically overawed.

The second period opened up slightly, but only slightly. Still a fast, end to end game, profligacy by both sides meant that there was no indication as to where a goal might come from. After a scramble in front of the Racers's net, David Kozier netted for Phoenix on 31 minutes, but referee Simon Kirkham, who had an exemplary game, disallowed his effort due a Phoenix player obstructing Evan Lindsay in the London goal. Both Lindsay and Jayme Platt for Manchester performed heroics when the chances did come, but stalemate looked most likely, especially when Awada was given a 10 minute misconduct penalty by Kirkham on 38 minutes, after swearing at the ref.

Everything changed in the third period, however, and it became apparent that when you need good luck most, it deserts you. The Arena was stunned into silence just 35 seconds into the third period, when London's Jani Touminen, standing alone just two yards from the Phoenix net, took Marc Long's pass and crashed it over Platt's shoulder for a London lead. It was difficult to know, who was more surprised - Phoenix, London or the seven Racers fans who made the journey and pinched themselves.

Manchester were right to be worried, because London's defence had been tight all evening, and it looked as though the Racers' duck might finally be broken.

Just two minutes later, though, London's Mojmir Musil went for an interference minor, and the resulting powerplay gave Phoenix the gap they were looking for, as man-of-the-match Chad Brandimore slotted in the equaliser on 43 minutes. The game reverted to its tight formations, but as a loose puck ran towards Lindsay, Brandimore again slipped forward, stuck out a stick and slid it past the Racers goalie for an unlikely lead on 50 minutes.

Despite coming back ferociously, London were caught again three minutes later when Erik Zachrisson received a 2 plus 10 for cross checking from behind, and again Phoenix used the man advantage to grab a third, as David Kozier ended a clever move with a sweet top-shelf hit.

The game was effectively over as London became more cautious. Afraid of an undeserved rout if they continued to take more penalities, a lot of bite went from their play, and Manchester celebrated a win that had not looked on the cards for most of the evening.

Phoenix Assistant Coach Mike Morin said afterwards: "Sometimes you need a wake-up call, and their goal was it. They had stuck to their game plan all night, and closed us down. When they took the lead we realised we needed to play smarter. We're pleased with the win, but yes, it looked closer than we'd want it at times."

London's Player-Coach Jason Robinson was sanguine after their defeat. "We know the win will come. We're getting closer all the time, knocking on the door, but when you need luck you just never get it. Starting the season with a completely new team meant that we spent a long time getting to know how each other plays, but we know we're putting the work in. Morale is fine. We can see the improvements we're making, and we'll get there."