Last weekend saw the Sheffield Spartans travel to hull to face the Kingston Jets in the first of four games this season. The Spartans needed a win to keep pressure on the other teams at the top end of the table, Whitley, Newcastle & Nottingham.

In the Spartans two year history they had beat the Jets on each occasion, however after Kingstons recent results (a win over Flintshire, draw with Billingham and a close game with Whitley) Sheffield knew that they would have a game on their hands.

The game started 4 on 4 as both teams received penalties for facing off late. Joe Millard scored the first goal of the night as he stepped out from the corner and founds space between the Hull netminders legs. Both teams continued to push for goals but excellent netminding from kept the score at 1-0 to Sheffield.

The Spartans came out in the second period with the intention of extending their lead, but some sloppy defending left a Jets player free in front of goal and the game was tied 1-1. Two goals late in the period left Sheffield with a 3-1 lead. A powerplay goal from Matt Haywood, and a well worked pass from Chris Turner found Lewis Bell who created space in front of goal to pick out the top corner.

The Spartans extended their lead in the third to 4-1 with the second of the night from Matt Haywood. However shortly after the lead was cut to 4-2 when a rare mistake from Ben Bowns gave Kingston an open net. The Spartans continued to create chances but failed to finish them and another Kingston goal in the last few minutes put pressure on the Spartans, but they managed to hold out for the win.

After other recent games this was a poor performance from Sheffield but a win is a win and another two points towards the league campaign.

Haywood 2+0, C.Turner 0+2, Bell 1+0, Millard 1+0, Baron 0+1, A Turner 0+1, Morris 0+1, M.Turner 0+1

Final Score: Sheffield 4 – Kingston 3

On Sunday afternoon the Spartans will have another tough game against Hull and a win is needed to continue the ENL Cup title defence.