Player-coach Steve Thornton hit Belfast's winner on Sunday

Belfast Giants stayed on top of the Elite League after claiming a last-gasp away victory over Coventry Blaze on Sunday evening.

Player-coach Steve Thornton hit Belfast's winner with 19 seconds remaining on the clock.

George Awada and Paul Deniset put the Giants ahead on two occasions only for Scott Kelman and Corey LeClair to level for Blaze.

Belfast's win keeps them two points ahead of Nottingham at the top.

On Saturday evening, Belfast claimed a 6-3 away win over Manchester Phoenix in the Challenge Cup.

Former Giants player-coach Tony Hand put Manchester ahead but the Giants replied with five unanswered goals.

Mike Burgoyne levelled for the Giants and Paul Deniset and captain George Awada were then both on target twice.

Josh Garbutt and Alex Dunn scored to give Manchester a glimmer of hope but Deniset then completed his hat-trick.

The victory keeps the Giants on target for a place in the Challenge Cup semi-finals.