GAME RECAP: Guildford Flames 3 Glasgow Clan 4

GAME RECAP

Cade Neilson’s game-winning goal secured a 4-3 victory at Guildford Flames to wrap up the regular season campaign in the best possible way.

Their record at the Spectrum was not a good one as they looked for a final win to take them into the play-offs with some kind of momentum.

And they got the perfect start as Matt Berry got on the board just a couple of minutes into the game as Rylan Schwartz teed him up for a back post shot to beat Flames goalie Eamon McAdam.

Joe Hazeldine added a second with a speculative shot that managed to find its way, rounding off a week where he received his first call-up for the GB national team.

A holding call against Berry gave Guildford the opportunity to capitalise with the extra man, which they duly did as Matt Alfaro finished off a Charlie Curti shot to pull something back for the home team.

An error around the Flames net allowed Glasgow to take advantage, with Alex Forbes scoring his second of the season – a goal that required a review with a question over movement of the net.

The officials ruled in Clan’s favour and it meant they returned to the locker room after the first with a 3-1 lead.

Glasgow had to be diligent in defence in the second period and were, dealing with the Flames threat.

Up the other end, Forbes nearly got his second when he was put through on McAdam, but was denied.

However Cade Neilson’s second goal of the weekend increased the lead to three, involving a slick offensive move and assists for Keaton Jameson and Simon Despres.

Flames made a change in net for the third as McAdam was switched for Adam Long, who was making his first appearance of the season.

But a couple of minutes after the restart, Guildford picked up their second of the game as Ryan Tait blitzed forward and finished past Landon Bow.

A video review was needed with 10 minutes to go as Jack Jacome forced the puck into the net, with some question over a possible high stick, but the officials saw nothing wrong and the gap was closed to one.

Clan however hung on to claim a rare win at the Spectrum, with attention now turning to the play-offs next week.

POST MATCH REACTION

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FACT OF THE DAY

• Clan’s win in Guildford is only the third time they’ve won at the Spectrum in 20 visits and only the second regular season win there since the Flames joined the Elite League in 2017

GALLERY

Photos by John Uwins