Elite League: Belfast lead table by nine points after win over Clan

Belfast Giants extended their Elite League lead to nine points as they defeated their nearest challengers Braehead Clan 4-1 on Friday night.

Matt Towe gave Clan the lead in the first period before Jeffrey Szwez levelled for the Giants.

Second-period goals from Dustin Whitecotton and Evan Cheverie put Belfast in control and Craig Peacock added a late fourth.

The sides meet again in the league in Scotland on Saturday night.

Towe hit the opening goal of the contest in the 10th minute but Szwez replied within four minutes.

Whitecotton's powerplay strike then put the Giants ahead 13 minutes into the second period with Cheverie giving Paul Adey's side a two-goal cushion five minutes later.

With Braehead going for broke in the closing stages, Peacock was able to slot an empty-net goal with 59 seconds remaining.

The Giants have a busy schedule over the Christmas period with further home games against Hull (30th December) and Nottingham (2 January) in addition to Saturday's away contest against Braehead.