by

Steve Mayers

After the pulsating excitement of last week's 11 goal thriller, the Hawks were brought back down to earth by a well drilled Sheffield team. A large crowd headed to the Arena, hoping to see another 'edge of the seat' encounter, but left disappointed, as it was the visitors who took the spoils.

With the Blackburn team at near 'full-strength', they took to the ice in confident mood, looking to take the game to their opponents. However, an early penalty against the Hawks gave the Spartans a powerplay, and they took full advantage, to open the scoring. A couple of penalties given to the visitors saw the home side establish a footing in the offensive zone, although they could not create any clear-cut chances. On the 10 minute mark, however, the game was tied, as good work around the net by Jared Owen and Matt Viney gave Aaron Davies an opportunity, and he slotted home. A minute later, the home fans were on their feet once again, this time Rick Hughes lifting the puck high into the roof of the net. Unfortunately, however, they weren't able to consolidate their lead, and a second powerplay goal by Sheffield gave them parity going into the second period.

To a large extent, the 2nd period was full of industry and endeavour, but a combination of solid defending and good netminding by both teams saw the second 20 minutes end without any further addition the scoreline.

The 3rd period started contentiously, as the visitors started on the front foot. As early as the second minute, only the acrobatics of Danny Brittle between the Hawks pipes denied them a goal, deflecting the puck in mid-air, as it headed towards the net. Within two minutes, however, the Spartans were rewarded, as a third powerplay goal saw them go ahead once again. The game then ebbed and flowed, with both sides creating plenty of chances, but it was a speculative shot from the blue-line, with 6 minutes remaining, which seemed to catch Brittle unawares, putting the visitors 4-2 in front. Both teams then took time-outs, to gather their thoughts, but even with two and three man advantages for the Hawks in the final couple of minutes, they could not find a route back into the match. The final goal of the game came in the final few seconds, as Sheffield hit a long range shot into an empty net, to round off the scoring.

MVP went to Matt Viney.

Player stats are upto date and available.

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