Lightning came out on top for the first time in three encounters with Sheffield Steeldogs, chalking up a 3-2 victory after a bruising battle at the Thunderdome which marked captain Adam Carr’s return from injury.

Steeldogs’ physical approach made for a feisty match with little flow to it at times. But Lightning showed they could mix it with the best although they did lose Grant McPherson with a nasty injury after he was boarded by Steve Duncombe.

It was Sheffield who were first off the mark after 6mins 26secs when Janis Ozolins’ shot appeared to go in off goalie Alex Mettam’s pads.

The visitors had a further opportunity when Ross Bowers was penalised for slashing in the ninth minute but Lightning defended the short handed spell well.

The period ended with Steeldogs’ player coach Andre Payette and Michael Wales being given 10 minute misconduct penalties.

The hosts made a bright start to the second session with Adam Brittle equalising on 22mins 4secs.

But parity did not last long with Greg Wood putting Steeldogs back in front after Stuart Brittle redirected a blue line blast from Pavel Gomeniuk.

Leigh Jamieson managed to get across the face of goal to pick his spot for Lightning’s second goal on 31mins 12secs.

The winner came 47 seconds before the second break as Lewis Christie unleashed a rocket shot from over the blue line – just reward for the pressure Lightning were exerting.

The third period saw both sides slogging it out with neither side really able to make much impression in front of goal.

MKL Goals

22.04 Brittle, Emersic, Jamieson E
31.12 Jamieson, Green E
39.13 Christie, Brittle, Emersic E

Sheffield Goals

6.26 Ozolins, Wood E
23.33 Wood, S Brittle, Ozolins PP

MK Penalties

9.17 Bowers, 2 mins slashing
18.33 Wales, 10 mins, misconduct
19.25  Zatopek, 2 mins, interference
22.56 Graciik, 2 mins roughing
31.59 Norton, 2 + 2 mins, roughing
59.32 Christie, 2 mins, roughing

Sheffield Penalties

4.16 Duncombe, 2 mins, boarding
13.54 Bell, 2 mins holding
18.33 Morgan, 10 mins, misconduct
31.59 Hirst, 2 + 2 mins, roughing
59.32 Payette, 2 + 2 mins, roughing

Shots on Goal

MKL – Mettam – 7, , 12, 11 = 30
Sheffield – Bowns – 8, 13, 6 = 27
Sheffield – EN – 0

Referee – Blaine Evans
Linesmen – Ryan Gadeke, Paul Kennedy