Devils edge win at Guildford to go joint top

Cardiff Devils completed a double weekend success as they edged hosts Guildford Flames 4-3 in a hard-fought encounter to boost their Elite League (EIHL) title bid.

The victory moves them level on 46 points with EIHL leaders Belfast Giants, though the Devils have played two games more.

Jack Jacome got the scoring underway for Flames in under a minute, with Josh MacDonald hitting back for the visitors.

Guildford went back in front through Matt Alvaro only for Cardiff to equalise through Sam Duggan. Former Devil Joshua Waller restored the home side's lead but the visitors again levelled with Ryan Barrow on target.

Devils went ahead for the first and decisive time as Riley Brandt scored early in the third period to seal victory a day after their 4-3 shootout win at Manchester Storm.

Cardiff will have a keen eye on Belfast's visit to Guildford on Wednesday, 21 January (19:30 GMT) before their own next game at home against Fife Flyers on Saturday, 24 January (19:00 GMT).

Devils next meeting with Giants is in south Wales on Friday, 20 February, and the two sides meet back-to-back in a Belfast double-header in March.