MATT GREENFIELD was delighted with the bounce back mentality from Sheffield Steelers as they saw off Cardiff Devils to maintain an impressive start to their Challenge Cup group campaign.

Ahead of Sunday night’s Group B Cup trip to Coventry Blaze, the 3-1 victory at the Utilita Arena saw the Steelers stretch their unbeaten run in the competition to four games.

It was also a positive response to their first defeat of the new Motorpoint Elite League season on Wednesday night when they lost 7-4 at Guildford Flames in the league.

“As a group we've prided ourselves on bouncing back after not a great night,” said Steelers’ netminder Greenfield, who made 25 saves. “I thought it was good to be able to come back and put in a good performance.

“I was happy with my game - I was disappointed with the other night, giving up six.

“I thought it was a good night. As a group we take a lot of pride in our special teams, and that's why.

“I thought we were excellent for 60 minutes tonight, defence first, and when we play like that it makes life easy.”

The Steelers fell behind in the 10th minute when they were dispossessed on the Devils’ blue line to allow Ryan Barrow to race clear and beat Greenfield.

DON'T LOOK NOW: Sheffield Steelers' Mitchell Balmas fires home the short-handed game-winning goal against Cardiff Devils on Saturday. Picture: Hayley Roberts/Steelers Media.

placeholder image — DON'T LOOK NOW: Sheffield Steelers' Mitchell Balmas fires home the short-handed game-winning goal against Cardiff Devils on Saturday. Picture: Hayley Roberts/Steelers Media.

The hosts were level before the first intermission though, a power play opportunity being taken when Dominic Cormier’s throw towards the net was redirected from in front by Brandon Whistle at 19.33.

Shortly before the halfway mark, the Steelers then edged ahead while killing a delay of game call on Tim Gettinger, Mikko Juusola breaking down the middle, setting up Brien Diffley and then pouncing on the rebound to feed Mitchell Balmas from behind the net for the Steelers’ top goalscorer to fire home past Ben Bowns at 29.42.

That was how it stayed - the Steelers’ having to be resolute to hold off the dogged Devils - before the points were sealed with a long-range empty-net strike from Macoy Erkamps with 12 seconds remaining.

Steelers' head coach Aaron Fox echoed Greenfield’s comments, adding: “I liked our game all night long, I felt the buy-in and the compete level was through the roof – one through to 20 – the special teams did a job, one for one on the power play and two from two on the kill with a goal.

"We made them earn everything tonight and so it was a really good 60 and just proud of our group.”