REPORT: OT heartache for Clan

By Blair McNally

Glasgow Clan, sponsored by Aspray Glasgow West, welcomed a capacity crowd back for the first time in over a month, falling to a 2-1 overtime defeat against the Guildford Flames.

Guillaume Gauthier’s quick opener was shortly cancelled out by Jamal Watson before either sides netminder helped sent the game into overtime.

With just over a minute remaining, it was to be heartbreak for the Clan as the Flames sneaked a winner through Chris Gerrie.

Much to Malcolm Cameron’s delight it was to be a quick start from Clan as they took the lead just four minutes into the first.

On the fast break, Dyson Stevenson’s shot was saved by Flames netminder Kevin Lindskoug before Guillaume Gauthier was quick to swallow up the rebound, firing into the yawning cage.

This lead would not last long, however, as the Flames drew level five minutes later through Jamal Watson. Collecting a pass from deep, the defenceman sent his shot low past Shane Starrett to tie the game at 9.33.

With four minutes remaining of the first the Clan were inches from falling behind as the visitors struck the bar before Starrett was equal to the rebound, keeping the score tied at the break.

The second period proved to be much of the same as both sides battled back and forth, testing either of the netminders with strong efforts.

Lindskoug was the busier of the two as he prevented what looked like a certain goal, diving on the puck from Stevenson’s effort with five minutes remaining.

Into the third, the game was turned on its head as the Flames looked to find the winner., but Starrett to the rescue as he produced a number of important saves to take the game into overtime.

Deep into overtime it was game over as the Flames snatched the winner.

Pulling off yet another great save, Starrett’s efforts were not enough as Chris Gerrie was on hand to slam home the winner.

Despite requesting a review, the Clan’s night was over as the goal was awarded, sending Paul Dixon’s men home with the extra point.