Manchester Thunder maintained their perfect start to the Vitality Netball Superleague season with a hard-fought 56-47 victory over Loughborough Lightning.Thunder entered the game fresh from a 25-goal thrashing of Team Bath on Friday which gave them a third successive victory, but it was the home side who took the early advantage on Monday with the opening goal of the night at Loughborough Universitys Sir David Wallace Sports Hall. Loughborough v Manchester - Scoring Breakdown 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Final Score Loughborough Lightning 10 9 16 12 47 Manchester Thunder 12 14 16 14 56 However, despite impressive defence from Karen Atkinsons side, they were unable to keep a relentless Thunder at bay. The visitors were led by the constant menace of wing attack Liana Leota, who ensured they stayed on the front foot throughout.With Helen Housby and Natalie Haythornthwaite in ruthless early form, it was the Superleague leaders who hit the front early.Dan Ryans team found themselves four goals to the good, leading 10-6 with under five minutes remaining of the opening quarter before Vanessa Walker ensured the gap was down to just two at the end of the first 15 minutes.Player of the Match Jo Trip and Sky Sportswoman of the Month Ama Agbeze led the hosts defence in keeping chances at a premium throughout the early part of the second quarter, and both teams were having to work hard to get the ball through the court.Three quickfire goals from Lightnings Ugandan goalshooter Peace Proscovia levelled the scores at 14-14 and after the teams traded goals, the visitors experience took hold of the game for what proved to be a crucial advantage they never relinquished. Netball London Live Get your tickets for Londons Copper Box Arena England star Housby helped Thunder move through the gears, their transition play moving them into a seven-goal lead which they held onto for a 26-19 half-time advantage.Thunders attack has made most of the headlines this season, but the all-court performances of England captain Sara Bayman and New Zealands Leota were pivotal factors in seeing off a determined Loughborough defence to extend their advantage to nine goals.Lightnings spirits refused to be dampened and more precision shooting from Proscovia cut the deficit to just four midway through the third quarter, but Haythornthwaite and Housby re-established a seven-goal lead heading into the final quarter as the Thunder attack built on some outstanding defence from half-time substitute Laura Malcolm.A 4-1 run for the hosts at the start of the final period cut the gap to four points but once again, the Thunder were able to show their class and a five-goal run midway through the final period finally saw off the home sides threat, as Ryans team moved into a 53-44 lead.As befitting the Loughborough performance, they refused to give up, with the teams trading points through the final moments before a bruising battle came to its conclusion with the Thunder making it four wins from four and Lightning slipping to a second defeat of the campaign. Vitality Player of the Match - Jo Trip (Loughborough Lightning)Also See:Vitality Superleague fixturesTableLive on SkySportswomenBrian Urlacher Womens Jersey . -- Al Jefferson found a groove just in time for the Charlotte Bobcats. Mike Ditka Bears Jersey . The 28-year-old from Calgary matched his career best after missing just one shot in his two rounds of shooting in the mens 10-kilometre sprint competition. Smith finished in 23 minutes 15. http://www.bearsfootballpro.com/Authentic_Mitchell-Trubisky_Bears_Jersey/ . The winner Saturday will remain in the elite 10-team field next year. "We talked about wanting to be disciplined and stick with our game plan and good things will come," Draisaitl said, who had two goals for the victors. Devin Hester Youth Jersey . After taking two big hits this week -- losing at home and dropping back-to-back games for the first time all season -- Indiana struck back by playing its most complete game of the year. Tarik Cohen Bears Jersey . Bryant, who signed a five-year, $34 million contract as a free agent with Cleveland in March, reported symptoms on Monday morning, a team spokesman said.HAMBURG, Germany -- Germany coach Joachim Loew appears to be skeptical about FIFA President Gianni Infantinos suggestion that the World Cup could be expanded to as many as 48 teams.On Monday, Infantino outlined the idea that would see 16 teams go home after playing one game in a new opening playoff round.According to news agency dpa, Loew says he isnt familiar with the concrete plans, but the ccurrent level of 32 teams in the tournament is excellent and ideal.ddddddddddddoew, who led Germany to the 2014 title, says the best teams should be at the World Cup and the European Championship. If you keep on raising (numbers), there is a watering-down of quality. ' ' '