REPORT: Glasgow’s Braehead Clan 0 Cardiff Devils 1

NEXT HOME GAME: The Fife Flyers are the visitors to Braehead Arena next, on Saturday 3rd February (7:00pm face-off). Tickets are available NOW via TICKETMASTER or by calling 0844 499 1700.

Glasgow’s Braehead Clan took league champions Cardiff Devils all the way in an absorbing contest – but were edged out in a 1-0 contest.

John Tripp and his men were looking to get back to winning ways after defeat in Dundee on Sunday, but couldn’t get the edge over the Welsh side.

Joey Martin tested Clan goalie Ryan Nie with a low chance early on that needed his defencemen to come in and lend a hand to clear.

The Devils also saw opportunities from Sean Bentivoglio and Matthew Myers go close, but the home side remained resolute in the opening period.

It was the same at the other end as Ryan Potulny and Robbie Lepine had chances on Cardiff netminder Ben Bowns.

But the best chance fell to Felix Poulin, whose low drive took a deflection and forced the GB goalie to slap it away from danger.

Clan had to withstand some good pressure in the second period as the Devils seemed to move the puck around at will, but couldn’t deliver the killer blow.

Nie and his defence stood up well in the face of it and the home team weathered the storm to create some chances of their own.

Lepine went close with a low shot that needed Bowns to make the stop while Poulin also sent a deadly shot that whistled just wide of the mark.

A chance from Bryce Reddick hit the post that saw Devils coach Andrew Lord requested a review, but was unsuccessful.

The game was ultimately decided by a one-time Matt Pope shot after he was set up by Joey Martin and the visitors finally got themselves in front.

Clan themselves used their review when a powerful Brendan Brooks rattled the bar, but again it was ruled out by the officials.

In the end, Devils held on to take victory in a one-goal game in Glasgow to leave the Purple Army disappointed.