Matsos 'let down' by Steelers display

Steelers were losing 4-0 with less than five minutes to play beforelate goals from Joe Talbot and Jonathan Zion saw them halve the deficit ahead of next Wednesday's return leg at the National Ice Centre.

Steelers were three down by the end of the first period, with strikes from Jay Henderson - on his debut - at 9.37 on the powerplay, Cameron Mann at 10.22 and Marty Gascon at 18.14.

David Clarke made it 4-0 to Panthers early in the second before the home side's late rally handed them an outside chance of overturning the deficit in Nottingham next week.

Considering Steelers have now lost all six encounters with their fiercest rivals, it seems unlikely they will be able to overcome the odds and book their place in the final against Cardiff Devils.

After Wednesday night's latest setback, Matsos - coming under increased pressure to turn his team's season around - admitted the performance simply wasn't good enough.

"That result and performance was just not good enough, I feel let down and I'm sure the fans do as well," said Matsos.

"Wecreated enough chances, we had enough chances - we just didnt take those chances and Nottingham did.

"The whole night was flat we and we take responsability for that, the crowd was quiet but it is our job to get them on side, its our job to get them going, get them excited and we didn't do that.

"But those two late goals have given us hope, this tie isn't all over despite what many think. We will have our time against Nottingham and Wednesday night might just be that time."