GAME REPORT: Clan put in battling display against cup holders

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A late goal from Belfast Giants captain Blair Riley saw the Clan go down 3-4 on home ice on Saturday night.

It was a hard luck story after a display that saw Pete Russell’s team dragged themselves back to level three times. However, it wasn’t enough as the Giants nicked the win.

It didn’t look too good as the Giants started well, stopping Clan from building any kind of early momentum.

Needless to say, they were the team that got the opening goal though as Lewis Hook played a pass to his left for Guillaune Gélinas, who arrowed his shot into the net.

The visitors almost added a second shorthanded when a turnover allowed Kyle Baun a chance clean through on home goalie Joel Rumpel, who made the save.

Vaclav Stupka found himself in a one-on-one situation during the second period when he was clean through on visiting goalie Stephen Murphy.

But Murphy showed all his experience to get the all-important touch as the GB international thwarted Clan’s top scorer on that occasion.

Glasgow finally got themselves level shortly after Craig Peacock found Rasmus Bjerrum in the front of the crease and the Dane applied the finish.

However the home fans’ joy was short-lived as Francis Beauvillier tucked in low at the left and the Giants had reclaimed their lead.

As the game built to an exciting climax, it was Belfast who claimed the win as Riley got into a position and poked the puck beyond Rumpel.