Jackson Whistle made his final save as time expired as the Giants held on after a last couple of frantic minutes to a 3-2 win over the Manchester Storm.

And for the first time this season they move into first place in the Elite League standings, a point clear of Cardiff and five ahead of Sheffield.

This wasn’t pretty despite skating into a 3-0 first period lead.

However to win championships you have to win ugly games sometimes when you aren’t at your best and the Giants did just that.

It’s a four-point weekend and the Giants are top of the table, you can’t ask more than that.

Image source, Press Eye

The Giants aren’t exactly clinging onto the lead but it isn’t comfortable.

They have a powerplay chance now to try and score a big goal

6:28 to go

Giants fail to score - into the final five minutes

The visitors capitalise on that minute of powerplay time as Craig Martin pulls his side within a goal.

Giants making life hard on themselves.

Scramble in front of Jackson Whistle’s net almost sees an equaliser.

So if this result holds the Giants will move above Cardiff and into top spot in the Elite League.

Can the Storm prevent that from happening?

Off we go…

Good period from the Storm, not only the goal but they were the better side despite losing their starting netminder.

They will also start the third period with a minute of powerplay time remaining.

Giants coach Adam Keefe won’t be that happy with his sides effort in that middle session, he’ll demand more in the final 20 minutes.

Multiple chances for the Giants to clear their zone but they can’t and eventually a shot from the blueline is deflected in by Alexis D’Aoust

Back to back penalties for the Giants and an opportunity for the Storm to get on the board.

Jackson Whistle playing very well however for the home side.

Storm on the powerplay but they cough up a shorthanded breakaway to Bobo Carpenter.

In getting a shot away he collides with Evan Weninger. Accidental contact according to the officials Weninger has to leave the ice for treatment so Alex Oldale takes his place.

Image source, Press Eye

Hope you’re enjoying the in-play goal clips from this afternoon’s game.

We are back underway at the SSE Arena

It took a little while for the Giants to get going but thanks to their impressive powerplay they have this game under control after 20 minutes

Giants with great forechecking just piling the pressure on the Storm and Gabe Bast picks the bottom corner from just inside the blueline.

Image source, Press Eye

Not to be outdone the Giants other powerplay line get on the board when JJ Piccinich converts the pass from Mark Cooper.

Giants remain on the man advantage after the 2+2 high sticking call

Image source, Press Eye

David Goodwin conducts the Giants powerplay like a good orchestra.

He finds Grant Mismash who in turn sets up Bobo Carpenter for a beautiful powerplay marker.

Image source, Press Eye