Steelers through with draw in Manchester

Photos: Mark Ferris

There will be no Challenge Cup Semi-Final debut for Manchester Storm who were unable to overcome a three-goal deficit against Sheffield Steelers back on their own ice.

Manchester Started brightly are deservedly had the lead after 20 minutes thanks to Adam Hughesman's goal at 15:49. They did, however, fail to capitalise on chances to extend that lead and were pulled back to level on the night by Robert Dowd at 33:53. Cody Thompson's tap-in just over a minute later had the Storm back to two down on aggregate again through two periods, but when Brendan Connolly struck at 45:59 the hosts had 15 minutes to find three goals.

Michael Davies' top-shelf finish made it 3-2 to the Steelers on the night at 54:21, although Tyson Fawcett's marker with 1:34 to go would deny the Steelers a victory at the Storm Shelter for the first time this season.

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