Bees edge out Lightning to end slump

BRACKNELL, UK – Two Strikes from Lukas Smital helped the Bracknell Bees cling on to a 4-3 victory over the Milton Keynes Lightning. Bracknell made hard work of what was a comfortable performance, and held a 4-1 lead going into the closing stages. However, the visitors launched a late comeback, but the Bees held their nerves to record an important win. With the win Bracknell put an end to a six-game losing streak. Gareth Cox’s side hope to build on the two points as they face the two teams below them in the English Premier League table next weekend – with games against the Peterborough Phantoms and the Telford Tigers. The Bees got off to a dream start when Matt Foord struck on an early power play opportunity to give his side the lead after just two minutes of play. The Lightning were again punished soon after with the Bees’ power play functioning well. Smital grabbed his first goal of the game after being set up by Martin Masa. However, the away side grabbed a lifeline before the first intermission. A great pass from Lukas Zatopek allowed Blaz Emersic to race through on goal and beat Carl Ambler to half the Bees’ lead. The Lightning carried their momentum into the second period as Leigh Jamieson was unlucky to see his close range backhander go narrowly wide. The Bees were given some rest-bite as Milton Keynes took a penalty and again the Bees took advantage, this time Rob Lamey scoring the power play goal. Bracknell went from strength to strength and Smital beat Lightning netminder Alex Mettam with a great shot to give the Bees a three-goal lead, with Masa awarded his forth assist of the game.

Ambler looked very confident between the pipes, and made a host of important and comfortable saves to fend off the dangerous Milton Keynes offense. The Bees sat back in the third period thanks to their comfortable lead. However, the Lightning were handed a way back into the game when a bad giveaway gave possession to Thomas Norton and his shot was directed past Ambler by Grant McPherson. The Lightning had a new belief and 26 seconds later, the visitors clawed back to within touching distance as Emersic struck for the second time. The Bees tightened up their defence, and despite Milton Keynes throwing on an extra skater for the final minute, the Bees cleared their lines for the well-deserved victory. The Bees’ forth win of the season pushes them up to eighth place in the English Premier League table. Contact the author david.bol@prohockeynews.com