Brilliant back-up Bainborough has been an able deputy as Peterborough Panthers march on

The city club’s second-choice netminder was thrust into the spotlight with Jordan Marr missing due to personal reasons.

Bainborough delivered a man-of-the-match display as Phantoms saw off Hull 8-6 in the second leg of the NIHL National Cup semi-final to set up a final showdown against Telford.

And he was again impressive as Slava Koulikov’s men stretched their winning streak to seven games in all competitions with a pulsating 7-6 success against Swindon in the NIHL National Division.

Bainborough said: “I’ve had time out of the sport and it’s great to be back playing in big games again.

“This the highest level I’ve played at and I feel like I’m doing alright even though I let a few in!

“It’s only natural to feel pressure when stepping in for a great goalie like Jordan but I just try to enjoy every minute of the ice.

“In fact it’s probably easier to be thrown in at the deep end against the two most offensive teams in the league.

“We don’t normally play as open as we have done in the last two games, but it worked for us.

“It was obviously a great night on Friday to reach a cup final and everyone put their bodies on the line again to beat Swindon.

“I’d have liked a couple of the Swindon goals back to be honest, but all goalies are hard on themselves like that.

“My save percentage will be well under 90 per cent after conceding six in both games, but I feel like I did a lot better than that.”

Bainborough’s performances earned high praise from Phantoms chief Slava Koulikov.

“Ryan was magnificent on Friday and he was my man-of-the-match for sure in the third period against Swindon as well,” said Koulikov.

“To come in to two huge games like that and perform in the way he did deserves a lot of credit.”

It remains unclear if Marr will return for a home date against Bracknell tomorrow (7pm) – the club’s only game of this weekend.

“The quicker we get it sorted, the better,” added Koulikov when asked about Marr’s absence.