Flames are off to Sheffield for next month’s Cup final. Ryan Tait and Steven McParland strikes set Spectrum’s men to a very early 2 goal lead they never fully gave up the rest of the way while handing Glasgow Clan a 6-3 defeat in the 2nd leg, and on aggregate, of the Cup semi final.
Tait opened the scoring at 3:32. McParland doubled the difference just over 3 minutes later, but a Luke Lynch reply inside the last quarter of the frame pulled Clan within a single to begin the middle set.
At 24:57 Tait re-stored a 2 goal lead and Matt Tugnutt around the midway mark had the home side enjoying a 4-1 margin. Lynch’s 2nd of the contest brought Clan back within a pair. A late 5 on 3 powerplay for the visitors carried over into the 3rd, but was killed off before the remaining extra man advantage was also thwarted leaving the Scottish club still 2 goals adrift.
Lewis Hook used a Flames powerplay to expand the lead to 3 once again in the 47th minute. Alex Roach cancelled that one out when he scored 46 seconds later, but a Peter Crinella empty netter less than 2 minutes from time ensured there would be no dislodging the home team from their championship game berth.
Flames will attend Sheffield March 13th against Steelers to contest the trophy game. Ticket details will be announced shortly.
“Obviously it is very exciting to have put ourselves into the final,” said Paul Dixon.
“Our objective is to win trophies, and this is a chance. A few years back we were edged out in the championship game by Belfast which we have not forgotten, and this is a great opportunity to get back and try it again.”
“We have a lot of work to do in league play before that happens so can’t look too far ahead but we will enjoy tonight and knowing that we are a game away from one of our overall season objectives.”
