Late drama as Steelers tie cup game: Sheffield 4 Guildford Flames 4

Steelers' made a stuttering start to their pursuit of a place in the Challenge Cup semi final.
Ryan Martinelli gets stuck in, against Guildford. Pic Hayley RobertsRyan Martinelli gets stuck in, against Guildford. Pic Hayley Roberts
Ryan Martinelli gets stuck in, against Guildford. Pic Hayley Roberts

Sheffield had led Guildford Flames 3-1 at the 39-minute mark, but lost their rhythm after that, tying 4-4, with another late, late goal. It means a difficult trip to Surrey on December 19.

Steelers rolled four lines with Kieran Brown back on the wing, but there was some confusion in the ranks and gaps appearing, particularly on Sheffield's left defensive flank.

Evan Ritt drifted past Josh McFadden, approached the net, and roofed the puck over Matt Climie's glove two minutes in.

But, against the run of play, Josh Pitt scored, arguably, the best goal of his 16 so far, skating at speed through the middle and blasting a low drive beyond Chris Carrozzi at 12;36.

The second session started well when Tanner Eberle snaked through the middle and finished low for 2-1 - immediately acknowledging the through pass from Jonathan Phillips.

Brandon Whistle almost scored his first with a near post shot, but Anthony DeLuca achieved the feat with his debut Steeler strike at 33;13.

Ryan Martinelli gets stuck in, against Guildford. Pic Hayley RobertsRyan Martinelli gets stuck in, against Guildford. Pic Hayley Roberts
Ryan Martinelli gets stuck in, against Guildford. Pic Hayley Roberts

The 3-1 margin could have been even bigger, given the chances falling to the likes of Robert Dowd and Pitt. But Flames, whose only other chance was a breakaway on the penalty kill, reduced their deficit with Brett Ferguson stroking home a rebound from close range at 39.30.

It was a damaging time to concede and  just 37 seconds into thge last period, an unharassed Ian Watters got a clever touch on Jez Lundin pass just outside the crease and the teams were level.

Paul Dixon's visitors forechecked hard in Steelers' end and the home side found it hard to get things going.

And they deserved a go-ahead goal when the energetic Jesse Craige shot high over Climie's blocker for 3-4, after a delightful pass from John Dunbar, Flames' chief offensive provider.

Steelers needed to score on a four-minute power play; but they failed, Carrozzi catching the best  effort, from Dowd's effort.

However with eight seconds left Dowd saved Sheffield's bacon.