The Sheffield Steeldogs delivered a strong performance to see off the Romford Raiders in an action-packed encounter.
The first period saw both sides settle into the game, with no goals recorded as they battled for early control.
Romford struck first in the second period on the power play at 33:02 through Andrew Coxhead, after Jonathan Philips had been penalised for hooking at 31:03. The Steeldogs responded well, and at 36:45 Bair Gendunov found the net, assisted by Nathan Ripley and Kyle Watson, to bring the game level. A late penalty for high sticking against Romford at 38:19 gave Sheffield momentum heading into the break.
The third period saw the Steeldogs take control. Joonas Larinmaa gave Sheffield the lead at 48:21, assisted by Watson and Ripley, before Romford were penalised for tripping at 48:41. Gendunov added his second of the night at 50:38, assisted by Walker Sommer, despite a penalty against Larinmaa moments earlier at 50:21.
Joseph Matthewman extended the lead at 55:02, assisted by Jonathan Philips and Ben Morgan. Romford responded quickly through Joe Tomalin at 55:27, but the Steeldogs continued to press.
Bailey Yates made it 56:54, assisted by Watson, before Sommer rounded off the scoring at 58:27 with a goal assisted by Gendunov.
A dominant final period secured an impressive victory for the Steeldogs.
