GAME REPORT: Narrow defeat but Clan still in the hunt for semi-final spot

DID YOU KNOW? THIS FRIDAY’S opponents the Coventry Blaze top points scorer this season is Canadian Alex Nikiforuk? The former Panthers player has 24 points in 19 matches (8+16).

Get your tickets NOW for the visit of Coventry at Braehead Arena (7:30pm face-off), online or by calling 0844 499 1700.

GLASGOW CLAN MATCH REPORT: GLASGOW CLAN 3 CARDIFF DEVILS 4

A late Vaclav Stupka goal made sure Glasgow Clan are still in their Challenge Cup tie despite a narrow 4-3 loss to Cardiff Devils.

From the early stages, Cardiff got a grip on the game when Stephen Dixon, who scored the winner the last time both teams met, opened the scoring after four minutes.

A pass from Charles Linglet was fed into the centre, with Mike Hedden getting a touch before Dixon got the final touch on its way in.

They added a second a short time later when Josh Batch’s pass into the centre broke to Linglet in space at the back post and he duly tucked away.

Then it was three, courtesy of Joey Martin, who surged up the right hand side, moved into the slot and smashed in a shot to beat Clan goalie Joel Rumpel.

Clan hit back early in the second period when a blue line shot from captain Zack Fitzgerald found its way past Cardiff netminder Ben Bowns for his first goal of the season.

It was a much better performance from the home team in the middle session as they imposed themselves against the Devils.

But a poor clearance broke from Matt Pope, who duly took advantage to rifle in Devils’ fourth against the run of play.

Pete Russell’s men got a second one shortly after when Brendan Connolly powered his way through the centre and roofed his shot to close to gap.

Scott Tanski went close with a chance that needed Bowns to throw out a gloved hand to catch it in the final minutes.

But Stupka’s finish with 22 seconds to go closed the gap to one, making sure Clan have something to play for in Cardiff in two weeks time.

[yourchannel user=”your username” video=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRBgo7o3h4o&feature=youtu.be”]

[yourchannel user=”your username” video=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcFMgtrlpfI&feature=youtu.be”]

Get your tickets NOW for the visit of Cardiff to Braehead Arena (7:30pm face-off), online HERE or by calling 0844 499 1700.