Guildford strike Lightning's treble ambitions

Lightning, who were crowned league winners last weekend, were hoping they could add the EPL Cup and the play-off trophy to their collection of silverware this season.

However, Nick Poole's Lightning already trailed Guildford 6-1 from the first leg and the Flames once again proved to be too hot on the night with a 4-3 score line in their favour handing them the Cup.

It was always going to be a tough task for Lightning to turn around the five goal deficit, and Poole told MK NEWS an early goal could spark a remarkable comeback.

And Lightning got the early breakthrough they were craving when Poole, assisted by Michael Wales and Adam Carr, found his way through to score on 09:24 for the only goal of the opening period.

The Flames evened the game on the night, and maintained their five goal aggregate lead, through Neil Liddiard on 22:27 and Nathan Rempel put them a goal up in the 31st minute with a shorthand goal.

Guildford's Lukas Smital extended their lead on a powerplay and the game slipped away from Lightning as they trailed by seven goals

With Cup already well out of their reach Lightning conceded a fourth on 41:21 as Rick Plant found the target.

However, there was a late fight back from Lightning with Adam Carr netting on the powerplay at 44:07, and they he added his second of the evening on 50:36 to make it 4-3 on the night.

But the late scores could only win Lightning some pride as it was the Flames who lifted the Cup for the 12th time in their history.

LIGHTNING are at home to Basingstoke Bison on Saturday, face-off is at 7pm, and on Sunday they travel to Peterborough Phantoms for the final game of the regular season. Face-off is at 5.30pm.