Stars are well beaten by Clan at Braehead

DUNDEE CCS Stars travelled to Braehead last night and lost their Gardiner Conference match 5-0.

It was a disappointing night for the Taysiders as they now sit 13 points behind Clan in the standings. Although they have two games in hand to the leaders, they face an uphill battle if they are to win the Conference title.

Stars started the game without Justin Faryna and Scott Brannon.

The visitors had an early chance when a fierce shot from Brett Switzer was excellently saved by Michel Zajkowski in the Braehead nets. Seconds later it was Clan’s turn to go close when a shot from Scott Pitt hit the pipes.

After 11 minutes, Dundee’s Kevin Hart sat out a two-minute minor for tripping and then Alex Leavitt missed a great opportunity on the powerplay when he shot wide.

In 13 minutes, the home side took the lead with a goal from Daniel Ahsberg.

Dundee then went on the powerplay when Clan’s Matt Haywood was awarded two minutes for holding stick. Stars failed to cash in on the extra man.

Early in the middle session, in-form Kevin Bruijsten had a great shot brilliantly saved by Zajkowski as the visitors put the pressure on.

In 29 minutes, Haywood was sent to the penalty box for the second time in the game, this time for holding and that left Stars on a two-minute powerplay. With the visitors pressing for the equaliser, Matt Beca broke free on Stars’ goal to score a short-handed counter and double Braehead’s lead.

Craig Cescon took a two minute minor for tripping with five minutes left in the period and Clan made the most of the extra man when Matt Keith netted goal No 3 for the home side.

Clan increased their lead early into the final period when they broke on a three on one and Matt Keith netted.

Stars offered little in the third stanza and Braehead completed the scoring in 58 minutes when Mike Hammond netted his ninth goal of the season.

Stars coach Marc LeFebvre said: “Braehead outplayed us tonight with some heavy hockey.

“We can’t use injuries as an excuse. Tonight they were the better team.

“‘The guys are working hard and will continue to do so and our luck will change, of that I have no doubt. Thankfully our December games are over and now we can work on the rest of the season, starting on Sunday.”

Stars continue their hectic festive schedule with the long journey to Cardiff on New Year’s Day to face Devils in an Elite League match (4pm).

It will be their second trip to the Welsh capital in 12 days, having played them in a Challenge Cup quarter-final on December 21.

They have also travelled to Nottingham, Manchester and Braehead during that spell with a home game against Fife Flyers squeezed in.

There is no doubt the Taysiders have had the most gruelling run of fixtures of any league side and will hope they can round it all off in Wales with a win.

Stars have injury problems leading up to the game and will give late fitness tests to those getting treatment.

LeFebvre added: “We played well against them in the Challenge Cup and I’m looking for the same effort.”

Michael van Gerwen on his way to beating Darren Webster.

Phil ‘The Power’Taylor celebrates his win over Kim Huybrechts.