Lucas Smital’s side had a single goal lead heading into the final period but they couldn’t hold on as they were beaten 5-4 in a tense finale.

The game started at a fast pace and it was the Bees who broke the deadlock as Smital set up Vanya Antonov to fire home in the 11th minute.

It was an end-to-end period and Alex Mettam had already made some fine saves before he was beaten by Bobby Chamberlain to make it all square at the end of the first stanza.

The second period got off to an ideal start for the hosts as Robin Kavar fired home after 15 seconds to put Phoenix ahead before Adam Walker found a way past Mettam two minutes later to double the lead.

It was the worst possible start for Smital’s side but the game continued to go from end-to-end and Bees were getting chances to score.

A host of missed opportunites and fine saves at both ends meant it was still 3-1 with three minutes of the second period remaining but an incredible end from the Bees saw them go into the final period ahead.

Two goals in 13 seconds from Radek Hubacek and Towlaski stunned the hosts, before Smital completed an unforeseen turnaround when he fired home to give Bees a goa llead at the end of the second period.

It was a stanza that had seen an incredible 37 shots and that continued into the final period as Phoenix pushed for an equaliser.

It came via a powerplay as Sam Waller was called for boarding and the hosts took advantage to level through Kovar’s second of the night.

The hosts were now in the ascendancy and Bees were losing their discipline as Scott Spearing was ejected from the game for receiving his second misconduct penalty.

Smital and Jan Bendik also received penalties as Bees were again a man down with two minutes remaining and Phoenix took advantage to grab a dramatic win when Frantisek Bakrlik finished past Mettam to seal a narrow victory.

Smital’s side will look to end their nightmare run when they travel to Manchester Phoenix on Saturday, before welcoming Sheffield Steeldogs to the Hive on Sunday (7pm), in their final two league games of what has been a difficult season.