Pirates edge Lynx in pulsating match full of twists and turns
BEN RAMAGE
Paisley Pirates squeezed through a topsy- turvy clash with Aberdeen Lynx to celebrate their return to home action with a win.
In a game that had the home fans on the edge of their seats until the final minute, Aberdeen started the match livelier than the hosts and there were a few close shaves around Morris in the home goal.
The home side went ahead against the run of play after 13 minutes, when Duncan broke free and fired a bullet past Chalmers to give the Pirates the lead.
Their advantage didn’t last long, as Lynx were level before the end of the period on the powerplay as Durkacz shot past Morris to give his side an equaliser which on the balance of play was not undeserved.
In the middle session, both sides had chances to go in front and at the halfway mark it was Pirates who edged ahead through man of the match Andreucci.
He bundled the puck over the line after good lead up play by Guy.
Pirates appeared to be in trouble with 40 seconds of the period remaining as both Thorp and Walker were given minor penalties, presenting Lynx with a two man advantage.
The hosts held firm to successfully negotiate the spell and headed for the dressing room nursing a narrow 2-1 advantage.
In a crucial start to the final session, Aberdeen failed to take advantage of their two- man advantage and they paid dearly for it.
The home side defended staunchly to shut out the visitors, and within seconds of full strength being restored took advantage.
Walker fed Thorp, with the latter wasting no time in burying the puck behind Chalmers for what proved to be the game winning goal.
Durkacz netted a second for Lynx to ensure a nervy final five minutes, but Pirates held on to record an important league win.
The win helped ease the pain after a Stewart Robertston Cup mauling at the hands of Murrayfield Racers.
Facing off in Edinburgh, the Pirates fell foul of the referee on more than a dozen occasions, which saw them lose an incredible six powerplay goals.
The final score was 9-1, with Abercrombie notching the Paisley side’s only goal in a bruising defeat.
The Pirates are back on home ice this Sunday when they take on Kilmarnock in another Stewart Robertson Cup match.
That game faces off at 4.30pm.