Steve Thornton's Belfast side defeated Coventry on Friday night

Belfast Giants' Elite League title hopes suffered a blow when they were edged out 5-4 by Hull on Sunday.

The Giants went into the game after five straight wins and were fancied to beat the bottom-placed club despite being shorthanded for the contest.

Colin Shields and Tyler Howells both hit two goals for the Giants, who were 2-1 down after the first period and after levelling, slipped 5-2 behind.

Two of Hull's final-period goals came during a powerplay.

Sunday's clash was Hull's second victory over the Giants this season.

Belfast's previous defeat came against the Stingrays at the Odyssey Arena in early November.

The Giants responded to that defeat by claiming five straight wins and manager Steve Thornton will hope for a similar response from his players in the coming weeks.

The Giants are in action next on Friday night at home to Manchester and take on Sheffield Steelers away on Saturday.

Sunday's loss leaves the Giants four points behind leaders Sheffield - although Belfast have two games in hand.

The Giants were without attackers Andrew Martin, Bobby Robins and Paul Deniset in Sunday's game.

On Friday, the Giants had defeated Coventry Blaze 3-1 at the Odyssey Arena.

Dave Philips put the home side ahead in the 10th minute and Evan Cheverie made it 2-0 after 16 minutes.

Adam Carter pulled a goal back for Coventry on 40 minutes before Steve Thornton sealed the points for Belfast five minutes from time.

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