The Sheffield Spartans traveled to the Billingham Forum at the weekend to face the Bombers, a team they were yet to beat on Billingham home ice in their three season history.

Sheffield started the game slowly, and took some unnecessary penalties which gave the Bombers a 5 on 3 advantage. A well worked powerplay gave the home team the lead with a goal from Billingham captain Windridge. With another penalty stacked up, the 5 on 3 advantage remained and another Billingham goal followed. It was not long before Billingham took penalties of their own, which resulted in Scott Wards dismissal from the game. After 10 minutes the penalties were finally sorted out and the game continued. With only a few minutes remaining, the first period was played out with no further goals.

End of the first period – Sheffield 0 – Billingham 2

The Spartans started the second period on the powerplay, but failed to take advantage and took further penalties which cancelled out the man advantage. It wasn’t until midway through the period that the Spartans found the net. Will Barron found space in the bottom corner with a turning wrist shot to get a powerplay goal. Sheffield were now back in the game and continued to mount pressure on the Billingham net. Andrew Turner worked the net well to find a rebound goal to tie the game.

End of the second period – Sheffield 2 – Billingham 2

The Spartans picked up where they left off, mounting pressure on the Bombers net, pushing for a goal to take the lead. The Bombers almost caught Sheffield out, a wrist shot fired off the post only to be cleared by the Spartans defence. Shaun Ashton found space in front of goal, but two consecutive shots to the post denied the Spartans the lead. A timeout was called by coach John Ross with only five minutes remaining. The Spartans came out with an organized play, a pass from Nick Manning found Dan Hughes on point who let a low wrist shot go which found the net through traffic. This was the second game winning combination in as many weeks from Manning and Hughes. With only minutes remaining, the Bombers came out looking to tie the game. Ryan Handisdes caught them out and received a breakaway pass through his legs, only to hit the post. Billingham decided to use their timeout, which was followed by the decision to pull their goalie in a final effort to get a point from the game. The Spartans managed to hang on to the puck and played out the remaining minutes to take home the win.

The Spartans showed real character to come back from 2-0 down against a tough opposition. Billingham are a solid team and will certainly be pushing for a playoff spot. Two points at their rink is a great result, one that few other teams will achieve this season.

Man of the match – Ben Bowns

Final Score Sheffield 3 - Billingham 2