SURREY: UK – Braehead Clan journeyed south to Surrey on Sunday as Guildford Flames prepared to host the Scottish team for the very first time as their Elite campaign gathered pace.
With Flames in control from the get go, it was no surprise when half way through the
Photo credit John Uwins
first period Mikael Lidhammar opened the scoring for the home side. With 4:50 left to play in the first, Haywood evened up the score for the visitors despite ongoing pressure from Flames. Rhett Rachinski’s goal just a minute later delighted the fans and saw Guildford take a one-goal lead into the break at the end of the first.
Although Clan’s Tyler Shattock scored an early equalizer in the second, it was a combination of skills from Brett Ferguson in his home debut and the ever-present Calle Ackered that had the fans on their feet once again. With Flames dominating much of the play, the period closed at 3-2.
Shots on goal of 12 on Flames and 34 on Clan over the first two periods reflected Guildford’s dominance and the Flames faithful had much to cheer about as after three minutes of the third period Rachinski scored his second. Goal number five followed shortly thereafter to delight the fans, scored by a hard working Brett Ferguson who’s first home appearance evidenced his ability to slot seamlessly into the side.
An altercation following a goalie interference call on Clan’s Nie resulted in penalties on both sides and although shorthanded, Flames continued to apply pressure that paid off with Ackered scoring his second of the night.
As Olivia Newton John’s ‘Let’s Get Physical’ played, further penalties for roughing were called a little over half way through the third and with a four on four play in progress Captain Jesse Craig set up Ben Davies to make it 7-2.
A late flourish by Clan that saw Brendan Brooks put three goals away in a little under a minute stunned the majority of the 1486 Spectrum spectators momentarily into silence. With nothing to lose, Clan pulled the goalie and at 19:47 John Dunbar finished the game off to make it an 8-5 victory to Flames.
Ackered deservedly took the honours as man of the match for Flames after an energetic, hard grafting performance by the entire team that thoroughly entertained the home crowd. Flames now look forward to the coming weekend with a home cup fixture against Coventry Blaze on Saturday and a trip up to Scotland on Sunday to play Fife in the league.
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