Sheffield Steelers 4-1 Belfast Giants: Steelers claim 30th victory of League campaign

Sheffield overcame Belfast 4-1 to claim their 30th victory of the League campaign.

Whilst the title odds might not favour them, they have certainly recovered from their four-match series of losses.

On Sunday, Giants, who had lost a shootout in Manchester the night before, were snarly and aggressive, Bobby Farnham penalised for unsportsmanlike conduct after an early clash with Jonathan Phillips.

Steelers, who had looked their old selves in a 6-2 destruction of Nottingham Panthers on Saturday, initially couldn't free themselves from the straight-jacket imposed on them.

Joseph Hrabal failed to clear the puck from outside his crease and a soft back-hand from David Goodwin gave the visitors a fifth minute advantage.

That lead only lasted 74 seconds though; a delightfully-weighted pass from Lucas Sandstrom gave Anthony DeLuca the opportunity to shoot low through goalie Shane Owen.

That pairing worked diligently to give Sheffield the edge, yet Belfast seemed just as likely to score; Ryan Lowney powered a heavy shot into Tomas Duba's chest and Curtis Hamilton also came close.

This was an endurance test rather than a freeflowing hockey game. Muscle and determination rather than sublime skills.

Steelers were finishing their checks and showing no shortage of effort but the game need a moment of magic...or a mistake.

Both arrived when a Giants' turnover allowed DeLuca to streak on a breakaway, eventually tickling the puck under Owen with a backhander at 32:49.

Lowney had a chance straight afterwards but Belfast couldn't break down Steelers penalty killer or get the better of goalie Duba, who had recorded a fine 93.55% save percentage 24 hours earlier.

So Sheffield entered the last period 2-1 in front.

It would have been three if Janne Kolehmainen had buried a strong chance in front of net.

Giants have kept up with the EIHL leaders despite inconsistent form, they'd lost six of their previous 13 outings, yet they threw everything but the kitchen sink at the home team.

It was exhausting to watch, let alone play in.

Duba frustrated the Irish with a whole array of saves from Kevin Raine, Brian Ward and Farnham.Hard work sometimes creates unexpected rewards - and Sheffield were fortunate when a shot bounced off a Belfast skate and into their net for 3-1, the goal credited to Marco Vallerand.

Then Brendan Connolly, left completely alone, fired high to ensure victory.Attendance: 7,256