EPL Update. November (1)

Well, we have moved in to November, and the EPL is still throwing up a lot of interesting moments! The top of the league has fluctuated a lot, whilst the bottom has actually begun to stabilize a bit. So, from top to bottom, here are the teams, and a summary of things so far.

1) Manchester Phoenix

Manchester seem to have finally shaken off whatever bug it was that was doing the rounds through the dressing room last month. This month has seen the team win every game since losing in that very strange game to Slough last month. A convincing 8-4 win in Basingstoke started this turnaround, followed by a 6-3 grind against Swindon. Then, a monster 2nd period blitz against Bracknell allowed the team to go from toughing out the game, to a comfortable 8-3 win. The month was then rounded out with a tough, exciting game against the Lightning, and winning 3-2. The game by all accounts was fantastic. Feisty, energetic, full of combat, but overall, full of fun!

Now, the Phoenix have closed on Milton Keynes, and then opened up a 2 point gap, with a game in hand.

2) Milton Keynes Lightning

Milton Keynes had a mid week game against Swindon, where they managed to scrape a 3-2 win. This drawn out win was followed with a blow out of Romford, who are unfortunately turning into the leagues whipping boys. Deeply sorry for them! MK walked out with 2 points, and a 11 goal difference, after scoring 12!

However, Bracknell caused something of a surprise, with a 3-2 win in Bracknell. Never mind. These happen. Unfortunately for MK, there where following losses to Slough (6-3) and of course, the Phoenix. So, 5 games, 2 wins, and a current 3 game losing streak. Still, goes to show how teams are taking points off each other, in a league this close, after 3 losses, MK is still 2nd!

3) Guildford Flames

The Flames have been working away, and keeping themselves there or thereabouts for a while. They are 2 points behind the Lightning, with 2 games in hand on them. This month has been short. so far, only 3 games, a loss to the improving Peterborough Phantoms, then followed by 2 wins. 5-2 over Swindon, and then, 3-2 over the Bison.

4) Sheffield Scimitars

Sheffield have managed to do themselves a big favour. After slipping down the league, they have managed to get bodies back, and managed to edge back up the table. They started out with good wins against Slough (A team that seems to have the Phoenix' number!), and the Bison, followed a close win against Peterborough, and then another game against Slough. This was a win from penalty shots.

5) Slough Jets

Slough have carried on quietly working away, with a very good squad. However, they still manage to cough at just the wrong moments! The month started with a big 8-3 loss to the Scimitars, Followed by a close 4-2 win against Romford. A team that has shown that it can play. Just not very often. Slough then followed that with a 6-3 win over the then-league leaders, MK, and finally, a 2-1 over time loss to the Scimitars. Sheffield seem to have THEIR number!

6) Basingstoke Bison

Basingstoke have not enjoyed the same level of success as Manchester has, in spite of being in their first year in the EPL after dropping down from the Elite League. Basingstoke started November with an 8-4 loss to the Phoenix, then another loss to Sheffield. Finally! A bit of good news! A win over Romford, followed by yet another loss. This time, against Guildford.

7) Swindon Wildcats

As it stands, the Wildcats are wobbling along, and need to get a move on. Peterborough are slowly closing the gap! Swindon started with a mid-week loss to the Lightning, then to the Phoenix, then to the Flames, and finally, they managed to lose in a big way. 8-3. To Romford. Yes. Romford. Swindon gave Romford its first seasons win!

8) Peterborough Phantoms

Peterborough have managed to pick up a couple more wins, to close a little on Bracknell. They started the run with a win over the team above them, the Bees. Then followed that up with a win over the Guildford Flames. However, things began to go a little wrong with a loss to the Sheffield Scimitars, then the gap grew a little when they faced the Bees again, but this time, lost.

9) Bracknell Bees

Bracknells season has not so much hit the skids as unfortunately it now seems to be wallowing a little in the mud, with the other teams round them managing to avoid the puddles. Well, apart from Romford.

Bracknell lost a little ground when they started the month losing to Peterborough, then they managed to surprise MK, beating the Lightning 3-2. Then a loss to Manchester, only to regain the lost ground to Peterborough with a 6-4 win.

10) Romford Raiders

Unfortunately for Romford, they have not been blessed with a whole lot of luck this season. However, they are an earnest squad, and knew that if they kept working, the rewards would come. Unfortunately, the rewards have been very thin on the ground.

At the start of the month, they where turned over in a big way by MK, 12-1. This was follwed by a relatively close 4-2 loss to Slough, then another big loss to Basingstoke 12-4. However, the very next game against Swindon saw Romford finally catch a break. Not only that, but a huge break. An 8-3 win! That will have gone some way to evening out the scoring race. Unfortunately, they have shipped a lot of goals already, so bagging 8 wont amount to much...