Lightning gave themselves every chance of qualifying for the final of the English Premier League Cup with a battling performance to come away from Sheffield Steeldogs with just a 1-0 semi final first leg deficit.

It was not until just over three minutes from the end of the clash at iceSheffield that the hosts finally beat goalie Barry Hollyhead for the only goal of the game from Chris Sykes, set up by Janis Ozolins.

The travellers were without Jamie Line and Ross Bowers while Steeldogs player coach Andre Payette also sat out the game.

Lightning had two good chances midway through the first period with Tuomas Tikkanen and Blaz Emersic going close – the former shooting over and the latter having his effort saved by goalie Ben Bowns.

Sheffield were twice penalised towards the end of the first session but Lightning could not capitalise and the period ended 0-0.

It was the same score at the end of the second period – not that there was a lack of effort or action. Early on Tikkanen and Leigh Jamieson both shot to the right of goal while Emersic saw his shot hit the post before Bowns blocked from Tikkanen.
Steeldogs also went close while on the powerplay.

Lightning came close to taking the lead short handed in the third with officials debating whether the puck had crossed the line before ruling no.

The only goal came on 56mins 18secs as Sykes gave Steeldogs a slender advantage to take into the second leg.


Sheffield Goal

56.18 Sykes, Ozolins, Brittle E

Sheffield Penalties

15.38 Wood, 2 mins, elbows
19.19 Bebris, 2 mins, hooking
33.24 Calvert, 2 mins, holding
37.24 Gomenuik, 2 mins, slashing

MKL Penalties

31.18 Green, 2 mins, holding the stick
33.24 Zatopek, 2 mins, holding
33.24 Zatopek, 2 mins, cross checking
42.33 Norton, 2 mins, holding

Shots on Goal

Sheffield – Bowns – 8,12,10 = 30
MKL – Hollyhead – 5, 7, 19 = 31

Referee – Blaine Evans
Linesmen – Paul Brooks, Dan Beresford