Belfast Giants took over leadership of the Superleague by beating London Knights 4-2 at the Odyssey Arena.

Giants, who briefly led the table at the start of the campaign, moved a point clear of Sheffield to keep alive their bid to become the first side to win back-to-back titles.

Three weeks ago, Belfast's chances of clinging onto the title looked remote but Tuesday's victory means the Giants have claimed six wins and a draw in their last seven games.

Colin Ward, Sean Thornton, Kevin Riehl and Dave Matsos were on target for Dave Whistle's side.

They fell behind 26 seconds before the end of the first period when Rich Bronilla beat netminder Ryan Bach, who picked up a 10-minute misconduct along the way.

Whistle's side now lead by a point

Two goals in three second-period minutes turned the game in Belfast's favour, with Ward levelling and former Knight Thornton firing the hosts ahead.

Kevin Riehl stretched Giants' lead but London, playing their final match of the regular season, pulled one back within 65 seconds through Vezio Sacratini.

Despite a tense finale, Dave Matsos sealed a priceless two points for the Giants with a fourth just one second from time.

Sheffield and Nottingham meet at the House of Steel on Sunday, with both teams knowing victory is a must.

Belfast's two remaining fixtures are trips to Nottingham (11 February) and Bracknell (16 February).

This weekend the Giants will be involved in two Aherne Cup matches at the Odyssey Arena.