REPORT: Braehead Clan 2 Manchester Storm 1

NEXT HOME GAME: It may not be the biggest, but it’s British Ice Hockey’s most fierce rivalry! The Fife Flyers are visitors to Braehead Arena NEXT SATURDAY (7:00pm face-off). Tickets are available NOW via TICKETMASTER, by calling 0844 499 1700 or direct at the Braehead Arena box office.

Ryan Finnerty’s men had the better of the first period chances when Bari McKenzie and Lee Baldwin tested Storm goalie Mike Clemente, who had to make saves.

The home side got themselves in front when Scott Pitt assisted Mike Hammond, who squeezed his shot in at the near post.

The goal also marked the first ever point in pro hockey for teenager Jordan Buesa, who was instrumental in setting up the finish.

Clan goalie Michal Zajkowski made a crucial stop from Storm captain Trevor Johnson, shooting one in from the blue line.

Daniel Åhsberg also went close, but saw Clemente deny him on two occasions then Keith saw his effort saved after he was put through by Alex Leavitt.

Zajkowski was on top form in the third period when he made an excellent double save from Darian Dzuirzynski and Paul Swindlehurst.

But the home side doubled their lead when Matt Beca teed up Scott Pitt, who swept the puck home with power to ease the tension midway through the third.

Eric Neilson got one back for Storm not long after as Omar Pacha’s men gave themselves a glimmer of hope of getting something from the contest.

But Clan held out in the end to take the points and opened up an eight point lead over Fife Flyers at the top of the Gardiner Conference.