Player-coach Steve Thornton is serving a suspension

The Belfast Giants are two points clear at the top of the Elite League after a 1-0 win over the Cardiff Devils at the Odyssey Arena on Thursday night.

The hosts went into the game without player/coach Steve Thornton, who started his four-week ban.

The game produced few highlights until Andrew Martin scored the only goal with just over a minute remaining.

The Giants will make the Challenge Cup semi-finals if they beat Sheffield at the Odyssey on Saturday night.