Sat 8 Apr 2023 - 9:23PM

MATCH REPORT: PANTHERS 4-1 FLAMES

The Nottingham Panthers beat Guildford Flames 4-1 at the Motorpoint Arena in the first leg of the Viaplay Elite League quarter-finals.

The second leg takes place tomorrow night at The Spectrum in Guildford (6pm face-off), with the winner on aggregate advancing to the Final Four next weekend.

Peyton Jones started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up. Luke Ferrara and Mike Caruso missed out because of injury, while Archie Hazledine was icing for his NIHL club, Leeds Knights.

Anderson gives Panthers first-period lead
Kelly Summers set-up Stephen Anderson who fired a wrist shot top shelf from the right circle to put Panthers ahead (46:43).

Anderson hit the pipes two minutes later and Summers had a shot saved by the pads of Eamon McAdam.

Tanner Sorenson's effort grazed the top of the crossbar, while Guildford's best chances saw Ben O'Connor and Daniel Tedesco denied by Jones.

Brady and Sorenson extend Nottingham advantage
Guildford pushed for an equaliser and Peter Crinella's shot was well held by Jones in the early stages of period two.

Panthers superbly killed off a penalty and exactly a minute later, Anderson fed Adam Brady who made it 2-0 with a ripper from the left circle (29:06).

Sorenson scored his 19th goal of the season, popping home the rebound after Summers' shot had been saved by McAdam (35:34).

Levin scores superb breakaway in third period
David Levin took advantage of a mistake in the Flames defence to breakaway and go five-hole for the fourth goal (46:36).

Flames got on the board when Daniel Tedesco shot across Jones into the top corner (51:24)

Levin, Jeremy Welsh and Niko Lahtinen had chances late-on, while Matthw Myers forced a great save out of McAdam.

Panthers finished strong on a superb night at the Motorpoint Arena and take a three-goal advantage to Guildford tomorrow.