Steeldogs get burned by Phoenix but Darlow still happy

Two wins over ENL outfit Fife Flyers were followed by two four-goal defeats against EPL rivals Manchester Phoenix last weekend.

A 7-3 reverse at IceSheffield on Friday was followed by a 6-2 defeat across the Pennines as the Steel City's new second-tier incarnation finalised their preparations for Saturday's trip to 2009-10 play-off winners Slough Jets.

It gets no easier for Darlow's young side on Sunday when they welcome Guildford Flames to South Yorkshire (5.30pm).

"Although we were reversed by four goals on both occasions against Manchesteter there were lots of positives for us to take forward," said Darlow.

"I was pleased with the way we controlled them consistently in their own zone during a fiery third period in Manchester and the way we pulled ourselves together after bad starts in both games.

"There is a very true saying that you learn more from your defeats than your victories and with Manchester scoring 10 of 13 goals over the weekend from very similar situations it gives us a lot of feedback to work with and improve upon ready for the season start."

It's hoped Scott Morris and Craig Elliot - who both missed last weekend's Roses two-leg setback - will return from injury in time for the trip to Berkshire.