The Manchester Metros A Team returned to action for the first time since their 6-6 draw at home against Sheffield. The Metros welcomed the Edinburgh Eagles to Deeside which would come as a critical rematch in Cup play. The first meeting saw an exciting 1-1 stalemate as Edinburgh equaled with just under 5 minutes to play.
The return opened up much like the first-- a quick tempo game with lots of chances that went begging for both teams.
The game's first goal came when defender Max Drakeley put the Metros on the board with a brilliant shot from the point that took a deflection on its way to the net. The Eagles would push hard for an equalizer and would soon get one on a flurry of chances close to the net.
The Metros and Eagles continued to create opportunities as the game headed into the 3rd period knotted at one all.
A break came for the Metros when Marius Skogvang created a chance on a needle pass across the front of the net to the open Allen Gunn. The chance almost went array when his first shot went into the side netting of the goal. But a hustle play saw the puck sitting centimeters from the goalie line. The puck was seen across the line after a last ditch scramble by Allen to give the Metros a 2-1 lead with just over 10 minutes left to play.
The Edinburgh Eagles did not go away. With several clutch plays on the defensive end, Manchester was able to dictate much of the possession. As the game clock crept under 5 minutes, the Eagles saw a goal disallowed. But they would continue to fight.
They found their late equalizer in heartbreaking fashion as the clock stopped with just sixth tenths of a second remaining.
That would prove to be the game as the two teams couldn't find anything between them.
The Metros next game is away to Newcastle on February 14th. The team hopes to continue their form and get two points on the road. The last time the two teams met ended in a 3-2 victory at Deeside for the Metros after trailing 2-0 early.
For full stats and game sheet, visit this link.
