GAME REPORT: Howlett goal secures vital Clan win over Fife

NEXT HOME GAME: Scottish rivals the Dundee Stars visit Braehead Arena in EIHL action THIS SATURDAY (7:00pm face-off) Book your tickets NOW online HERE, by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 499 1700 or direct at the Braehead Arena box office (Thursday 12 noon to 9pm, Friday 12 noon to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm).

Mac Howlett’s game winning goal in the second period proved just enough as Glasgow Clan won their first game in seven attempts.

It was a hard fought one for the injury-hit team, but worth it to end the Elite League’s Pride Weekend in the best possible way, taking a 3-2 win over rivals Fife Flyers.

With both teams bereft of form in recent weeks, this play-off scrap would be an absorbing contest, as is the way with Clan-Fife games and so it proved to be.

The Flyers got themselves in front after five minutes when Danick Gauthier’s shot was stopped by Jordan McLaughlin in the Clan goal, but it slipped away from him, allowing Paul Crowder to put away the loose puck.

Clan hit back a couple of minutes with a shorthanded chance – their sixth of the season – when a Fife move broke down, allowing Matt Haywood to lead the charge down the other end.

His pass found Rasmus Bjerrum in the centre, who delivered a backhanded finish to equalise after seven minutes.

The home side were in front in the final minute of the first when Bjerrum turned provider, cutting back for Matt Beca, who slammed in from the edge of the crease.

Clan increased their lead further in the second period as well worked move saw Linden Springer start things with a long pass. Marcus Jonsson was quickly on to it trying a wraparound, but it was cut out.

It only went as far as Mac Howlett, who finished from close range for his third goal of the season and second point against Fife.

The Kirkcaldy side could have another two on the board, but were denied as James Livingston hit the post then Kyle Just hit the bar shortly after.

Morrison made sure they were still in it with an excellent before the second break to deny Nolan LaPorte, who picked up a Chad Rau pass and had the chance, but the Fife goalie spread himself across the crease to make the stop.

Crowder got his second with four minutes to spare to make it a nervy finale, tapping in to finish off Carlo Finucci’s rebounded effort.

A late penalty on Matt Stanisz made things a little more tense, but the Clan held out to take a big win over the Flyers.

View the game sheet HERE