Comets claw it back to scupper Lynx challenge

DUNDEE Comets kept their league title ambitions on track with a 6-4 victory against Aberdeen Lynx at Dundee Ice Arena on Saturday.

However, the hosts were made to work hard to earn the two vital points and stay ahead of SNL rivals Kirkcaldy Kestrels and Paisley Pirates.

After a goalless first period, the visitors found the net after the interval when former Comet Iain Malcolm put the visitors ahead after just two minutes of play.

Ex-Stars junior Jack Durkacz then doubled Aberdeen’s lead four minutes later.

This stung the hosts into action and strikes from Adam McNicoll, Billy Hogg and Sam McCluskey saw the period end 3-2 to the home side.

Ross Johnston and John Dolan extended Comets’ lead to three goals but Lynx responded with a further two counters from Jordan Leydon and another ex-Stars junior Aaron Thomson with five minutes left to play to set up a nervy finish with the game poised at 5-4.

With just two minutes left to play, John Gordon wristed the puck into the net to end the scoring and Aberdeen’s chance of a share of the points.

Billy Hogg earned Comets’ Man of the Match.

Comets assistant coach John Gordon said: “Aberdeen came to the game intent on halting our progress.

“With nine of the 15 names on the gamesheet being Dundee trained, an upset was possible, however our strength and experience won the game.

“We now have to focus on our next game which is away to Moray on Saturday.

“Elgin is always a difficult venue to play but I’m sure our guys are up to the task.”

Elsewhere, Dundee Tigers eased to an 8-0 victory in Ayrshire against Kilmarnock Thunder.

Goals came from Robbie Barnett (2), Grant Reekie (2), Scott Marr, Paul Guilcher, Mark McLeod and Kier Grant.

Tigers Ian Carstairs said after the match: “We played some good hockey and deserved our win.

“The Thunder are a development team and, while they’ve got some good, young prospects, our experience saw us through.

“We did show a bit of indiscipline in the third period and took a couple of silly penalties that prevented us from adding more goals to our tally but we killed those penalties well so can take some positives from that.”

Tigers host Paisley Pirates this Sunday evening (f/o 7.30pm).

Comets Man-of-the-Match Billy Hogg (right) celebrates his goal against Aberdeen Lynx at the Dundee Ice Arena.

John Gordon splits the visitors’ defence during Saturday’s Scottish National League game.