Belfast Giants win 7-5 on aggregate

Belfast came from a goal behind on aggregate, live on FreeSports, to beat Glasgow, and will play to defend their Challenge Cup title next month in the final.

Entering the game one behind, the first goal was always going to be crucial. The hosts got it 9:33 into the game, Jordan Smotherman adding to his tally since his recent arrival on the powerplay to level the tie. Just over four minutes later David Rutherford gave the Giants the aggregate lead, and within 14 minutes Smotherman had struck again to make it 3-0 on the night. Kyle Baun added another with 1:43 left in the opening period, but the Clan did grab a lifeline with Matt Beca’s goal at 19:50.

Blair Riley put the Giants 5-1 up on the night early in the middle period, before the Clan then started a bit of a fightback – Craig Peacock and Travis Ehrhardt’s goas either side of the period break had the aggregate score back to 6-5 with just under 15 minutes to go.

Josh Roach gave the Giants a cushion with his powerplay at 47:27 which would be the last goal of the tie.