Flames go clear at top

Photo: John Uwins

Guildford Flames went clear at the top of the Premier Sports Elite League with a 4-3 win over Belfast Giants at the Spectrum, their second win over the Giants this season.

It took just 51 seconds for Kyle Locke to one-tine past Jackson Whistle off a nice Brett Ferguson drop pass. Nine minutes later, Daniel Tedesco pulled a smart deke to make it 2-0 in close, although the Giants were back to within one through Gabe Bast's goal at 13:48.

Scott Conway levelled 5:39 into period two with a top-shelf wrist through traffic, however Brett Ferguson beat Jackson short side to put the Flames back ahead at 35:54.

The usually reliable David Goodwin missed a penalty shot with 6:25 to go to tie things, and the Giants were made to pay when Sam Marklund put the home side two ahead with 3:45 to play. 

David Gilbert pulled the Giants back to within one again, shorthanded, at 58:09 but the visitors couldn't find an equaliser this time and the Flames held on for a big win at the top of the standings.