Sheffield Steeldogs v Hull Seahawks - Reaction from rival coaches Slava Koulikov and Matty Davies

The hosts - who won the trophy last season - came back from 2-0 down to enter the third period at Ice Sheffield tied after goals from Jonathan Phillips and Walker Sommer.

And although they had their share of scoring opportunities in the third - much like the visitors - they were unable to convert, paying the price as the Seahawks scored three unanswered goals in the last seven minutes.

With Leeds Knights beating Romford Raiders 6-2 at Elland Road it left the Steeldogs unable to make the top four, despite having two games of the preliminary group stage remaining.

“In the first period I thought it was a 50-50 game," said Koulikov, whose team travelled to Peterborough Phantoms on Sunday in league action.

“I wouldn’t say Hull didn't deserve their first two goals, but we got one back and it was kind of even.

“In the second period we were on the ropes, Hull were the better team and we scored probably against the run of play to go to 2-2.

“We had the momentum in the third period, we had the possession, we had the power play, we had the chances - but we don't put the puck in the net.

“Then one breakdown on the rush back and they scored a goal. Then we take a penalty, they score another one and the game is over.”

Koulikov was left frustrated with certain aspects of his team’s performance in a season which is proving inconsistent in terms of performances and results.

“I felt that we had some guys that were playing out of their skin and they try to do everything they can for the team,” he added.

“Some guys, I wouldn't say they had a night off, but probably they weren't as committed to this game, which is a big disappointment because we talked about the importance of the derby.”

It was an Emil Svec strike on the power play that put Hull ahead in the ninth minute before Lee Bonner’s deflected throw on net eluded Shane Owen to give the visitors a 2-0 lead at 14.35.

Jonathan Phillips halved the deficit before the break and it was against the run of play that the Steeldogs levelled late in the second period, Walker Sommer pouncing on a rebound after Nathan Salem’s initial throw on net led to a scramble in front of the Seahawks’ goal.

Chances came and went at both ends before a sweeping move down the left from Patrick Brown enabled him to switch play inside to Bonner who produced a precise finish to make it 3-2 at 53.05.

Johnny Corneil pounced on a loose puck before rounding Owen for a simple finish on the power play to increase the agony for the hosts two minutes later, the Canadian centre then adding an empty net strike to seal the Steeldogs’ fate with just 36 seconds remaining.

A delighted Seahawks coach Matty Davies, whose team face Leeds in another crunch Cup derby on Sunday, said: “We played really well.

“The first and the second period was probably about as good as we’ve played (this season). I felt like it could have been six, seven one after the second period.

“Overall we deserved to win. Hesky made a couple of big saves but I felt like we were comfortable for those first two periods.

“These boys have got some serious character and they want it. They keep digging in and getting the job done.”