The Morley Glass Leeds Knights produced a strong all-round performance to earn a 5–2 victory over the Bristol Pitbulls at The Castle.
Bristol struck first in the opening period, taking advantage of early momentum when Jake Bricknell opened the scoring at 10:10, assisted by Bayley Harewood and Tanner Butler. The remainder of the first period saw both sides exchange penalties, with Leeds unable to convert despite spells of pressure.
The Knights came out energetically for the second period, but it was Bristol who found the back of the net again at 25:00 through John Dunbar, again with Butler involved on the assist alongside Jake Bricknell. That goal proved to be the Pitbulls’ last of the night.
Leeds replied quickly and decisively with two goals in two minutes. Edgars Vengis levelled the game at 25:42 before Danny Harrison fired the Knights ahead at 27:31. The middle frame also saw tempers flare with fighting majors handed out to Balint Pakozdi and Cam Hamill, alongside multiple minor penalties as the game threatened to boil over.
Before the second intermission, Vengis struck again at 36:59, converting with assists from Balint Pakozdi and Liam Peyton to give Leeds a two-goal cushion heading into the third.
The Knights continued to press in the final period, extending their lead at 43:56 as Vengis completed his hat-trick, once more supported by Peyton and Pakozdi. Bowdyn Neely added a fifth goal at 52:00, finishing a move set up by Danny Harrison and Oli Endicott to put the result beyond doubt.
The closing stages were dominated by penalties, including a major and game misconduct for Bayley Harewood for checking to the head, along with coincidental minors late on, but the scoreline remained unchanged as Leeds saw out the game.
A disciplined offensive display and a clinical second and third period proved decisive for the Knights, who capitalised on their chances and managed the game well amid a physical and fiery encounter.
Man of the Match - Edgars Vengis
UP NEXT
We're back at home on Saturday as we host the Telford Tigers in league action.
Saturday 24th January - 6:30pm face-off, doors open 5:30pm
