Match Report | 17th March 2007 » Milton Keynes 3-2 Sheffield Scimitars

Face Off: 7.00pm, Saturday 10th March 2007

Sheffield Scimitars travelled to Milton Keynes on Saturday for their only game of the weekend and were still missing Steve Roberts but had Les Millie back in the line-up. Sheffield had to win this game, and hope that Bracknell lost their game against Romford, to keep alive the hope of the League title. Although results did not go Sheffield's way on the night, it is a great achievement for the team that in only their second season at EPL level, the Scimitars pushed Bracknell right to the end of the regular season to achieve that, and have gained an honourable second place, a result not originally forecast by other teams back in September.

On Saturday, the teams were fairly even in the opening minutes of the game with Sheffield having the initial attempts on the opposition's net, without reward. Milton Keynes then gained possession for useful periods of time and tested Pasi Raitanen in quick succession after the first seven minutes. Despite being outshot as the period progressed, the Scimitars were first on the scoreboard with Dowd hitting the back of the night at 10.01, from a nice back-pass by Towe and a further assist by Brittle. Other chances followed for both sides but both keepers were up to the task and the period finished 0-1.

A typical 2nd period ensued for the Scimitars as they struggled at times to clear their zone and maintain possession of the puck. Raitanen left the game injured just over four minutes from the start of the second and Paul Jones took his place. Almost immediately Poole scored after an initial save, at 25.28 as Milton Keynes capitalised on the change. Sheffield were outshot again in this period though some good saves prevented any further goals. With the Scimitars already down to two imports, their increasing injury problems worsened with Millie out for the game after taking a shot on the foot. Sheffield had a few good attempts on the opposition goal, or the post, but the period ended 1-1.

They went 2-1 down almost immediately at the start of the third from a tipped-in shot by Carr at 40.15 and then 3-1 down on a breakaway goal by MOM Nick Poole. Sheffield dug deep though and picked up the tempo, pulling one goal back at 47.38 by MOM Matt Towe, assisted Brittle and Dowd. As Sheffield fought to get the equaliser in the final 10 minutes they had two good chances saved and then an unexpected powerplay opportunity two minutes from the end with a 5 on 3 at 59.59, but to no avail. Despite the loss, they have won a very creditable 31 games out of 42 played, with 9 losses and 2 ties.

Game Details: Milton Keynes: Clarke & Poole 1+1, Carr 1+0, Skinnari 0+1. MOM: N. Poole Sheffield: Towe & Dowd 1+1, Shudra 0+2. MOM: M. Towe

Next Match Report: Slough Jets 3-2 Sheffield Scimitars
1st April 2007
Previous Match Report: Sheffield Scimitars 5-0 Romford Raiders
8th March 2007

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