Murrayfield Racers’ hopes of retaining the Scottish National League (SNL) title were dealt a big blow as they fell to an overtime defeat against Solway Sharks on Sunday.
The Racers had visited Aberdeen Lynx the previous day and ran out comfortable 4-0 winners – Marty Simpson (2), Garry Simpson and Michael Ireland got the goals.
Tony Hand’s side headed into the clash with Solway eyeing a two-goal winning margin to give themselves the better head-to-head record this season.
Things started well for the Racers, with Callum Boyd’s goal in the first period deservedly putting them in front.
Joel Gautschi doubled the lead early in the second session, but Scott Henderson quickly hit back for the visitors to make it 2-1.
Ireland restored the Racers two-goal cushion midway through the game to set-up a tense final period.
Stuart Kerr brought the Sharks to within one goal soon after the second break, before Garry Simpson made it 4-2 with 45 minutes played.
The Racers looked to be on course to secure the result they needed, but two goals by Iain Bowie in the final eight minutes handed both sides a point and sent the game to overtime.
Peter Gapa scored the game winning goal just over two minutes into the extra session to give the Sharks an additional point and move them a step closer to the title.
The Racers are back in action on Sunday as they welcome Paisley Pirates to Murrayfield Ice Rink. Please click here to purchase tickets.
(Image permission: Racers Media)
