Refereeing calls upset Koulikov

Head coach Slava Koulikov questioned two key decisions after Phantoms saw victory over a set of title rivals slip from their grasp.

The city team were pipped 3-2 in Bracknell last Saturday night after conceding a powerplay goal in the final minute of regulation time and then being undone again just as another numerical advantage came to an end in overtime.

Koulikov was unhappy with referee Tim Pickett over calls of hooking for Ales Padelek late in the third period and charging against Will Weldon during the additional five minutes.

“I don’t like to speak negatively about referees as they have a hard job to do, but I felt decisions went against us,” said Koulikov.

“As far as I am concerned, referees are there to guide through the game – not to decide the game.

“I think calls should only be made in the final minutes when it is 100 per cent a penalty otherwise the whistle should stay in the pocket.

“We only picked up three all night in Bracknell and two of them came in the crucial moments at the end of the game which is hard to take.

“The first one was called from two zones away so I have no idea how he could see that and the second one was a clean shoulder-to-shoulder challenge but he called charging when the Bracknell player fell into the boards.

“My guys know they only take a penalty if they absolutely have to – if there is a breakaway or an empty net for example.

“They don’t do it in a oneon-one battle in the offensive zone or when defending in the corner.

“In the last five seasons we have been either number one or two on the list of the teams who take the fewest penalties.”

Bracknell were the better side in the opening period when hitting the front through Josh Martin, but two quick Phantoms goals provided a turnaround just after the midway point of the contest.

Captain James Ferrara’s leveller was followed by a Martins Susters effort only 12 seconds later.

That is how it stayed until Ivan Anotonov replied with 57 seconds remaining as Bracknell made the most of a numerical advantage late on having also pulled netminder Dean Skinns in favour of an extra skater.

And the hosts then triumphed in overtime thanks to a Shaun Thompson goal scored a second after another powerplay came to an end.

Phantoms also face another trip to Bracknell this month with their final away clash of the campaign against the Bees rescheduled for January 19.

Man-of-the-match Jordan Marr.