Leigh’s late strike was a just reward

The biggest game of the NIHL Division One South season so far came complete with a dramatic conclusion last Saturday night.

Forward Leigh Jamieson was the man to provide it 42 seconds into overtime as Phantoms continued their 100 per-cent start by triumphing against Swindon in a top-of-the-table showdown at Planet Ice.

Slava Koulikov’s men eventually prevailed in the first of five additional minutes after the two sides, who are almost certain to be rivals for the title, were left deadlocked following an hour of engrossing hockey.

Phantoms were the better team despite twice failing to hold onto leads provided by the excellent Owen Griffiths and defenceman Robbie Ferrara.

But Jamieson, who fluffed a penalty shot early in the third period, delivered the decisive strike when being the beneficiary of some fine work from Nathan Salem.

Phantoms were boosted by the return of import forward Ales Padelek after illness, but the Czech veteran was soon in the wars.

He suffered a nasty cut above the eye after being on the receiving end of an ugly centre-ice check from Swindon man Max Birbrear which surprisingly went unpunished.

Padelek returned to the game after being patched up by the club’s medical staff and Phantoms hit the front when Griffiths struck against his former club following a smart exchange of passes with Salem.

Swindon player-coach Aaron Nell forced in a scruffy equaliser little more than five minutes into the middle session, but parity proved to be short-lived. Phantoms were back ahead just 59 seconds later as Ferrara found the top corner with a fine shot

Jamieson couldn’t extend the advantage with his penalty shot early in the final period and Swindon clawed their way level a second time when Birbraer fed Luc Johnson.

Phantoms didn’t make the most of numerical advantages - which included 56 seconds of five-on-three - after Swindon picked up a couple two foolish penalties in the closing stages of regulation time.

But the second of those indiscretions carried over into the opening 41 seconds of overtime and the winner was conjured just as it elapsed.

It is a goal which probably now means that Phantoms – rather than Swindon – are the team to beat in the title race.

Phantoms player Nathan Salem battles with Swindon’s Aaron Nell.