Sheffield Steelers 4-2 Manchester Storm: No memorable performance but another win in 50th game of season

It might not have been a memorable performance, but winning ugly can be just as satisfying.

Aaron Fox's men had to come from 2-1 down to take two points and maintain their bid for the EIHL title.

Steelers had sneaked ahead in a first period which demonstrated the importance of a dogged approach even when things aren't all going right, during this 'Pride Night' League clash at Sheffield Arena.

Both sides were fast and furious, but initially lacking the precision to break through.

That was until Steeler Tanner Eberle coasted in from the right wing and forehanded in off the bar, on a four-on-four play.

Prior to that Storm, anxious to stay in Play Off group contention, had chances, notably falling to Tyson Fawcett, Cameron Critchlow and Jared Aulin.

But Steelers, who had started off the night 23 points better off than Storm, went off at the first period ahead, thanks to sharp-eyed Eberle's seventh point in five games.

Manchester have scored fewer goals than anybody in the EIHL and needed to prise open a defence in which Ben O'Connor and Davey Phillips had caught the eye, especially foraging forward.

This they managed to achieve with two goals in under seven minutes, after the break.

Aaron Brocklehurst's attempt to clear the zone was intercepted and Cameron Critchlow and Jared Aulin set up Mario Puskarich to level

Aaron Johnson then lost a battle for the puck on the back wall and Frankie Melton put the visitors 2-1 ahead.

Storm were finishing their checks and keeping it simple, while Sheffield were over-elaborating, at times.

But Mathieu Gagnon took a brainless penalty for roughing and while Storm killed the power play, Sheffield equalised seven seconds after it ended, John Armstrong scoring from a tight angle.

Fans had barely taken their feet when Marco Vallerand put Steelers ahead, for the second time.

Manchester have spirit and size though, and they pressed for an equaliser, Zach Sullivan and Puskarich bringing the best out of goalie Tomas Duba.

Storm coach Ryan Finnerty was clearly rankled by a high-sticks call on Frankie Melton with two and a half minutes left - and he was even less pleased when Brendan Connolly scored an empty netter.

*Sheffield are on the road at Coventry Blaze on Sunday evening.