Coventry rises above Phoenix challenge

COVENTRY Blaze kept pressure on Elite League leaders Sheffield with a narrow 4-3 victory over Manchester Phoenix.

Adam Walker gave the visitors a 16^th minute lead but the hosts reduced arrears early in the second period through Dan Carlson and then swept clear as Tom Watkins netted and Carlson doubled his tally with a shorthanded strike.

Bruce Mulherin scored moments later on the same powerplay to narrow the deficit and Davis Beauregard leveled the game in the 33^rd minute.

Both goaltenders were kept busy in the final period but Sylvain Deschatelets's strike in the 46th minute settled proceedings.

Elsewhere, basement side Basingstoke Bison were swept aside by Newcastle Vipers - thanks to a double from Jeff Hutchings and an Ed Courtenay strike.

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