BRACKNELL Bees were left fuming after being involved in a ‘phantom goal’ during their defeat by Guildford Flames, writes Dave Wright.

Despite taking the lead three times, they were pulled back to 3-3 before losing the penalty shoot-out 3-1 on Sunday.

Bees, however, were unfortunate not to have won in regular time after the visitors were gifted their first equaliser.

Tomas Santavuori’s shot struck a pipe. The goal judge switched on the red light, but quickly turned it off. Few seemed to notice it and play moved to the other end.

When play stopped, the light was brought to the attention of the referee, who went back to consult the judge. He awarded the goal – much to the dismay of netminder Alex Mettam.

“The puck hit the post and came back between my legs to the other side – that’s how I saw it,” insisted Mettam.

“But the goal judge and the referee saw it differently and that was their decision. It seemed a strange one, as I didn’t even see any of their guys celebrate.”

Bees led twice more and were on course to follow up their 4-3 win at Sheffield on Saturday, but the Flames equalised and went on to take the penalty shoot-out.

“I was disappointed to let in all three, but they had good shooters,” said Mettam. “It was a disappointing night. We had a couple of chances in overtime and were unlucky not to grab the win, but three points from the weekend is still a good return.”

Bees will be looking to pick up more points when they host Peterborough on Saturday (6pm) with children Under 16 being admitted free if accompanied by a paying adult. Then on Sunday the Bees have the return match at Guildford, again at 6pm.

Mettam concluded: “It’s going to be another tough weekend ahead for us.”