Sheffield Steeldogs turn attentions to National Cup after play-off bid is thwarted

SHEFFIELD STEELDOGS will look to end their campaign on a high in the National Cup after coming up just short in the NIHL play-offs.
Sheffield Steeldogs' player-coach, Ben Morgan. Picture courtesy of Peter Best.Sheffield Steeldogs' player-coach, Ben Morgan. Picture courtesy of Peter Best.
Sheffield Steeldogs' player-coach, Ben Morgan. Picture courtesy of Peter Best.

Ben Morgan's side, already crowned North One Moralee Conference Champions three weeks ago, went down 3-1 to an impressive Basingstoke Bison side, coached by former Sheffield Steelers forward Doug Sheppard, who has already led them to the South One Britton Conference title and the southern play-off title.

As expected, there was little to choose between the two teams in Coventry on Saturday and, despite chances at both ends, it was a goalless first period. But the deadlock was broken just before the halfway mark when the Steeldogs got their rewards for a bright start, Milan Kolena firing past Dean Skinns after being sent clear by Ashley Calvert.

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The lead proved to be short-lived, however, when Bison's Aaron Connolly found a way past Steeldogs' netminder Dmitri Zimozdra at 34.27.

It was Connolly who got the all-important go-ahead goal at 48.01 and, despite their best efforts, the Steeldogs couldn't find a way back, with Connolly completing a fine hat-trick with an empty-net marker with just 26 seconds left on the clock.

The Bison completed a remarkable campaign the following day when they beat Telford Tigers 4-0 in the final.

Morgan and his players are now preparing for the first leg of the National Cup final against Swindon Wildcats at Ice Sheffield on Wednesday night (7.30pm). The second leg will take place in Swindon on Sunday.

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Morgan said he expected an end-to-end encounter with the Wildcats, who finished the regular season in South One in third place.

"They've got a lot of offence, looking at their roster, compared to previous seasons and a lot of speed," said Morgan.

"They signed Eddie (former Steeldogs forward Edgars Bebris) part way through the season, so we know what to expect there and they've got people like Aaron Nell, who has a top shot and others like Sam Bullas who give you that grit and determination.

"I think it will be a test of offence against defence and, hopefully, we can let our offensive prowess speak for itself as and when we get the opportunity."