Flames stay top with win in Belfast

Photo: William Cherry

Guildford picked up their second impressive road win of the week with a 3-1 victory in Belfast against the Giants on Sunday night, keeping the Flames at the top of the Premier Sports Elite League table.

The game's opening goal was scored inside ten minutes by Peter Crinella, putting the Flames ahead at 9:02 with the rebound from a Ben O'Connor slapshot.

Scott Coway created his own space and fired past Eamon McAdam for the equalising goal at 12:46 - the platy was challenged by Flames Head Coach Paul Dixon for goalie interference, but the goal was confirmed after view. Guildford killed off the resulting minor penalty for an incorrect challenge.

Ryan Tait forcing a turnover in the Giants' zone allowed him to feed Daniel Tedesco in front of the net to make it 2-1 to the visitors with 1:59 left in the first period.

The only goal of period two saw Johan Eriksson fire past Peyton Jones from the slot at 22:37 to make it 3-1 to the Flames.

With 3:44 to play, Colby McAuley deflected Matt Foley's shot past McAdam to bring the hosts back to within one. Sam Marklund found the empty net with 58:27 on the clock to make the win safe for the Flames - inflicting the Giants' first loss of the season in EIHL competition.