The Belfast Giants turned on the boilers just at the right time to end their losing streak to defeat Superleague table-toppers Sheffield Steelers on Friday night.

The defending champions needed victory to stay in touch with the Steelers at the top, and they did just that despite having an early scare.

Sheffield got off to a dream start with a goal by Kent Simpson after just 43 seconds.

However, but five minutes into the second period it was level with Rod Stevens pulling out a zipping shot past Joel Laing.

Robby Sandrock scored again for the giants

Colin Ward gave the Giants the lead when he forced the puck over the line after Kevin Riehl's shot had been blocked four minutes into the third period.

The Giants continued to dominate and Todd Kelman, playing with a broken bone in his hand, went one-on-one with Laing before sending him the wrong way.

Man of the moment Rob Sandrock wrapped up the game for the Giants by skating along the boards before hitting the target.

The Giants, with a match in hand, have now cut the Steelers lead to five points and can eat into it further when the teams meet in Sheffield on Sunday night.