Lightning prepare for cup semi-final after defeats

LIGHTNINGare preparing for a huge cup semi-final, but they are doing so while suffering a dip in form.

After two defeats this weekend Nick Poole’s side have lost six of their last seven matches and as a result have slid down to fifth in the EnglishPremier League table, ten points adrift of Sunday’s conquerers Guildford, who currently hold top spot.

Manchester Phoenix, who won in Milton Keynes onSaturday, are second, six points ahead of Lightning.

A return to form is top of the agenda and there would be no better time to do it thanthe first leg of the semi-final, away at Sheffield Steeldogs this evening.

The second leg will be on February 16 in front of the Lightning’s home supporters at Planet Ice.

Lewis Clifford, the club’s assistant manager, said that the club were determined to dig in and bounce back following the weekend’s double setback.

He said:“On Saturday we just couldn’t get the puck in the net, we had so many unlucky bounces in front of the Manchester goal and just couldn’t get sticks onto them. 

“The guys gave 100 per cent and battled until the end but unfortunately it just didn’t quite work out for us.

“On Sunday we worked hard again and gave our all, but ultimately came up short of a very good Guildford team. 

“We scored two goals which demonstrated how hard work and persistence do pay off, particularly so with Adam Carr’s goal. 

“On another night we could have converted a few more chances, but when you are struggling sometimes these things seem to work against you.”

Lightning, who face Bracknell and Basingstoke next weekend, may now concede that a league title is a step too far .

“We will grit our teeth and get through this,” Clifford said. 

“The guys will work through this blip and come back stronger, and we’ll be back to winning ways sooner rather than later.

“There’s a lot of hockey to play between now and the end of the season.”