Metros A headed to Solihull on Sunday to face the southernmost North Division opponents Birmingham Lions following their 10-2 victory over Hull a fortnight ago.
The team was without forwards Tom Wilson (ankle), and Shayne Langlois (knee), but regained Jylha who returned from a cheek injury sustained in the Hull away game. He would provide the vital offensive attack scoring four goals whilst tallying multiple assists on goals scored by his line mates Allen Gunn and Matt Lowry.
After their 10-2 performance, the goals kept coming. Metros A offense was supplied by a supporting cast of Kieren De'Ath, Gino Poulin, and Tyler Schock. The latter finding the net twice. Manchester controlled the tempo over the game spending multiple spells on the attack. Strong puck movement during full-strength play unlocked many opportunities to pepper the Birmingham goalie. Manchester totaled 70 shots in the game.
On the power play, the Metros went 4 of 5. The team continued to be strong when faced with man down situations killing off 4 of 5 in the game.
When the Metros weren't on the puck, they forced several neutral zone turnovers and kept the opposition to the perimeter. The entire team was physical, delivering many big hits that separated Lions players from the puck which opened up avenues for odd man situations.
Unfortunately, Poulin left the game early in the second period after sustaining an undisclosed lower-body injury. At the time, he had scored a goal and recorded an assist. His loss left the short on defence who continued to play as a 3-man unit. Alex Thomas, who had played in defence away to Edinburgh once again stepped in, playing all 60 minutes out of his normal position.
Critical stats include 21 goals for and only four goals against over the course of the last two games. A tremendous change from the first three games where Manchester was outscored 21-15. The defence has ramped up its coverage around the net and the forwards have tightened up their play.
Phil Pearson (1-2) was strong in net when he was called upon, making 13 saves on 15 shots. The players in front of him made sure he was able to see the puck. Birmingham's two goals were scored in the 3rd period, one off a tipped shot from the point, and the other a secondary rebound shot from just inside the circles.
Manchester are off until January 24 when Deeside hosts the home leg of the trans-Pennine rivalry. Until then, the Metros enter the Christmas break with 4 points in the table and a 2-3 record.
Allen Gunn leads all team scorers with 14 points (7g, 7a), including two game winning goals. He is followed by line mates Matt Lowry (7g, 6a), and Topi Jylha (4g, 6a).
Their remaining BUIHA schedule is as follows:
Jan 24 - Sheffield v. Manchester
Jan 31 - Nottingham v. Manchester
Feb 8 - Manchester @ Nottingham
Feb 15 - Manchester @ Sheffield
Feb 21 - Birmingham v. Manchester
You can find the full game sheet here.
