EIHL Game Day Summary: Steelers 1 Panthers 4

The Sheffield Steelers opened their home campaign against the old enemy Nottingham Panthers tonight in a Challenge Cup game in front of a packed Motorpoint Arena crowd. It was Nottingham though who came away with the points, looking every bit as impressive as in their double title winning season last year, winning the game 4-1.

The Panthers stole the early initiative, going ahead after 6 minutes thanks to an intricate move close to the net which allowed Matt Francis to put his team ahead.

Nottingham then extended their lead in the second period, as Steve Lee smashed in a long range effort after some fantastic Panthers build up play.

The Steelers found themselves a lifeline in Jonathan Phillips, who smartly lifted the puck into the net after it rebounded into his path, but Sheffield couldn’t celebrate long as an excellent assist from Bob Wren allowed David Clarke to restore the Panthers’ two goal advantage with 7 minutes remaining in the second.

Francis then put the game beyond all doubt in the third period, adding his second and Nottingham’s fourth from close range to ensure the Panthers’ victory.

Read the full game report.