In what was a repeat of last year's play-off quarter-final, the two teams came face-to-face at the same stage once again this season.

They are certainly no strangers to one another when it comes to the final stages, they also squared up back in January in the Challenge Cup semi-final when the team from the Lace City came out on top over the two legs.

After this first leg it's Braehead who have the advantage going into the second leg on Saturday - a three-goal third period from the home side giving the Panthers an uphill struggle to make the play-off weekend.

With Mike Bayrack out injured tremendous praise must go to Matt Haywood who stepped up to the first line and put in a sterling performance that earned him man-of-the-match, as did defenceman Sam Zajac who played as a forward in the third line.

Even first period

A pretty even first period saw plenty of chances, but few that were clear-cut. Both goaltenders dealt with anything that came their way and the defences mopped up everything else.

After 40 minutes of hockey the teams were still deadlocked with the better of the chances coming the way of the visitors - Panthers out-shooting their opponents 17-7 in the second period. But they were finding Suomalainen in the home goal in outstanding form.

Twenty seconds into the third period and the breakthrough came for the hosts as ex-Panther Jade Galbrith had the home support on their feet.

Lee Mitchell, who came on to the first line to give Haywood a rest, put the hosts two in front at 54.40 and then at 56.57 Mike Wirll capped a tremendous night for the hosts as he netted the third goal.

When the final buzzer went the crowd almost lifted the roof off the Arena as the Clan ended their second season with this win that no doubt will see most of them back next season.