Flames burn Panthers in 4 -1 victory

Credit: John Unwins

Flames burn Panthers in 4 -1 victory


Travis Fullerton conceded just a single to ensure early and late first period goals were already enough offence; eventually closing the contest on a 4-1 win over the visiting Nottingham Panthers.

Flames opened their account a little more than 2 minutes into the evening when Brett Ferguson re-directed a Jordan Rowley shot. Inside the final minute, during a run of 4 on 4 play, Calle Ackered sent Flames to break up by a pair.

The teams exchanged a couple of minor penalties each across most of the middle frame, but it was not until 37:46 on a powerplay that the home fan favourites extended further when Ian Watters, on the doorstep, tipped in a Kruise Reddick delivery.

Panthers cut into their deficit a little over 7 minutes into the 3rd through Oliver Betteridge to get within a pair down the final stretch. With their net empty, Panthers worked furiously in the last couple of minutes to get closer, but eventually their fate was sealed seconds from time when John Dunbar slipped the 4th into the unprotected cage.

“We are ecstatic to come out of here with a win, especially after a disappointing up and down performance last night at Cardiff,” said Head Coach Paul Dixon.

“Getting those early goals and playing much of the night with a lead makes it much easier on us and much harder on the opponent. We know that because we have been on the wrong end of that plenty of times, and it just feels like you have to do more and work harder to get anything done when you are in that position.”

“It’s a busy run next weekend, heading to Belfast for a pair of games then back home for our 3rd on the bounce against league leading Sheffield Steelers, so we will are pleased to be able to enjoy a day off tomorrow knowing we have a win at our backs, and then back to work Tuesday to get ready for the busy schedule ahead.”