It's only half-time in this Challenge Cup semi-final but there aren't too many sides come to Belfast and beat the Giants by five goals in their own arena.

That's the task facing the Flames next Wednesday night. Paul Dixon's side were shutout for the first time this season and were second best. Their powerplay failed to get them back in the game after they had gone behind and they were beaten by a well organised Giants side.

By contrast the Giants played the perfect road game. Their penalty killing was strong, they scored two powerplay goals and got great goaltending from Jackson Whistle but I guarantee what will have pleased coach Adam Keefe the most will be the attention to team defence which smothered Guildford's speed and skill.

The Flames have a big Elite League game against Cardiff on Saturday night, 24 hours after the Giants visit the Welsh capital.

The second leg of the Challenge Cup semi-final is on January 25th at the SSE Arena with a 7pm face-off. Do you believe in miracles Flames fans? We'll be live from Belfast next week.

Thanks for following along.

Bye for now.

Image source, John Uwins

Skating 4-on-3 the Giants make it 4-0 when the puck breaks into the slot and onto the stick of Gabe Bast who blasts the one timer in off the post giving Eamon McAdam no chance.

Giants defenceman Josh Roach takes a high stick and spills a little blood from the nose on the ice so a delay in the game while it's cleared up. Giants will be on the powerplay when play resumes.

6:51 to play

Just 8 seconds into a powerplay and the Giants get a deserved third goal. McAdam can't find the puck in his crease and Mark Cooper gets the final touch to nudge it over the line

Flames coming on strong but again they fail on score on the powerplay, the Giants penalty killing has been good in this game.

Back to even strength and David Gilbert beats McAdam but can't tuck the puck in.

Ten minutes to go - Giants still in front

Big final period coming up. Will the Giants take a lead back to the SSE Arena for the second leg or can the Flames come back in this game.

It's been the perfect road game for the Giants so far - 20 minutes of hockey could change all that

Flames gained some momentum with the two powerplays despite not scoring but even strength the Giants have looked comfortable and if it wasn't for netminder Eamon McAdam the deficit would be more than two. That is what will frustrate Giants coach Adam Keefe with twenty minutes remaining.

Image source, John Uwins

Flames powerplay not clicking as they failed to convert on two opportunities and Giants Scott Conway and Mark Cooper forcing shorthanded saves from Eamon McAdam. Seven minutes to go in the second period

Well it's end-to-end stuff - Giants denied a third when Mark Cooper hit the post but then Jackson Whistle makes saves from Daniel Tedesco on the wrap around and off the shoulder from a Ben O'Connor blast. Flames getting up a head of steam

Image source, John Uwins

Underway in the second period. Flames comeback? Or will the Giants pull away?

Peter Crinella had the best chance on the powerplay for the Flames but Jackson Whistle made a good pad save.

On a Giants powerplay McAdam kept the Flames in the game with a double save from Josh Roach and then Will Cullen on the rebound.

Adam Keefe will be delighted with the first period. Very few scares in their own zone and they are worth their lead.

The Flames will be disappointed that after a strong first few minutes an unforced error gifted the Giants the lead and they've struggled a little since then to create any sustained pressure but plenty of time left in the game and off course the tie.

Image source, John Uwins

Giants get their second goal with Gabe Bast and new singing Grant Cooper getting assists on Scott Conway's effort. Beautifully worked for the Giants who now go on the penalty kill

Just before the halfway mark of the first period a mistake by Flames defenceman Kyle Locke who gives the puck straight to David Goodwin who has all the time in front of Eamon McAdam to pick his spot and open the scoring.

Steve Owre and David Gilbert have breakaway chances for the Giants but both denied by Eamon McAdam in the Flames net while Brett Ferguson forces Jackson Whistle into a big stop at the other end

Can the Flames continue their domination of the Giants this season? Or will Adam Keefe's side continue their recent domination of the Challenge Cup?

The puck is dropped and the game is on.....

The Belfast Giants are the defending Challenge Cup holders after they beat Cardiff Devils 3-2 in overtime last March, coming from 2-0 down in the third period. In fact the Giants have won the trophy three of the last four times it has been played including a 2-1 overtime win over the Guildford Flames in 2019 when Jordan Smotherman scored the winner.

The Flames were underdogs that day but begin this semi-final as favourites. They are the current Elite League leaders and have beaten the Giants in their three meetings so far. This is the first of at least five massive games between the two sides left this season with both looking to take an advantage into the second leg in Belfast next Wednesday evening.

The Giants include new signing Grant Cooper in tonight's line up

Image source, Press Eye

Welcome to the first leg of the Elite League Challenge Cup semi-final between the Guildford Flames and Belfast Giants from the Spectrum Arena.

Here are tonight's starting six...

Guildford Flames

G Eamon McAdam D Matt Crocock D Bradley Lalonde RW Ryan Tait C Logan Fredericks LW Peter Crinella

Belfast Giants

G Jackson Whistle D Gabe Bast D Sam Ruopp RW David Goodwin C Scott Conway LW Henrik Eriksson

Image source, BBC Sport