Offside controversy: Belfast Giants 2-1 Sheffield Steelers

Sheffield Steelers lost ground in the title race tonight, thanks to a hotly disputed '˜offside' goal they conceded in overtime.
Belfast Giants v Sheffield Steelers- Photo by William CherryBelfast Giants v Sheffield Steelers- Photo by William Cherry
Belfast Giants v Sheffield Steelers- Photo by William Cherry

The champions dipped 2-1 at Belfast, although they were level in regulation time, before losing in overtime.

Belfast outshot Sheffield 32-27 - and the victory severely affects Steelers championship defence.

But at least Paul Thompson’s men got a point.

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First line winger Colton Fretter opened the scoring, via assists from John Armstrong and Mathieu Roy in the third period.

But ex Steeler Colin Shields hit back just 22 seconds later, assisted by James Desmarais and Steve Saviano.

It was incredibly tight.

But Giants grabbed the win through top scorer Chris Higgins (assts Blair Riley, Derrick Walser) just 31 seconds into the extra session - although the play appeared to be off side.

The win for Giants took them seven points clear of Sheffield.

The teams play again tomorrow night at the same venue.

RESULTS

Saturday 7th January

Elite League

Belfast Giants 2 Sheffield Steelers 1 (OT)

Cardiff Devils 3 Coventry Blaze 4 (OT)

Edinburgh Capitals 3 Dundee Stars 2

Manchester Storm 2 Fife Flyers 4

Nottingham Panthers 4 Braehead Clan 3 (OT)

FIXTURES

Sunday 8th January

Elite League

Belfast Giants v Sheffield Steelers – 4.00pm

Braehead Clan v Cardiff Devils – 6.00pm

Coventry Blaze v Nottingham Panthers – 5.15pm

Dundee Stars v Edinburgh Capitals – 6.30pm

Fife Flyers v Manchester Storm – 6.30pm