Phantoms start the new year in style with an impressive victory over Coventry.

(Phantoms Jo Saville and Bethany Crook putting pressure on Coventry Phoenix)

The first game of the New Year for both teams with both sides looking to carry on the winning momentum from their previous games.

This week marked the English Ice Hockey Association inaugural Pride Week with both teams sporting pride stick tape and laces.

The first period began with Phantoms highlighting their attacking play and challenging the Coventry netminder Zoe Vince. Shots from Ruby Allen and Hana Meszarosova proved difficult for Coventry but they stayed strong and ended the first period 0-0.

(Player of the game Ruby Allen challenging the Coventry netminder)

Coventry gave away a penalty shot a few minutes into the second period with Sara Bagnall bringing down Ruby Allen as she charged the net after a well worked breakaway for the Phantoms. Allen stepped up herself to take the penalty and fired it past netminder Zoe Vince in the top right corner, there was no stopping that shot and Phantoms take a deserved lead.

(Penalty shot fired top shelf by goal scorer Ruby Allen)

However, Coventry we’re quick to react and levelled the score with Gemma Taylor scoring for the home side.

The equaliser did not phase the Phantoms and they kept up the pressure on Coventry. The pressure paid off when Saara Karvonen played a beautiful pass to Ruby Allen, who then showed her skill gaining a second goal and ended the second period 2-1.

(Saara Karvonen taking on the Coventry defence)

At the start of the third period and with Phantoms leading, Coventry upped their efforts, however the Phantoms defence and netminder stayed strong. Phantoms replied and bombarded Coventry's netminder with an array of shots.

Aimee Neaverson added to the Phantoms goal tally right at the end when her initial attempt on goal was saved, she didn’t give up and shot from the rebound which rocketed into the top right corner. A fitting way to end the game!

(Aimee Neaverson celebrates last goal before the final buzzer)

Overall, a well deserved win for Phantoms Women. Phantoms next game is at home to Streatham Storm on the 22nd January.