Man-of-the-match, Newcastle netminder Michael Robinson tangles with Jeff Szwez at the Odyssey Arena (Picture: Michael Cooper)

Belfast Giants were booed off the ice as their Elite League title hopes suffered another blow with a 6-5 over-time defeat by Newcastle Vipers.

Sunday's reverse at the Odyssey Arena completed a bad weekend for the Giants after Saturday's 3-2 defeat by Hull.

It was an embarrassing night for the Giants as Newcastle had only nine skaters and two goaltenders while the Giants had a full roster of 18 players.

Belfast lost despite having 4-0 and 5-2 leads in the contest.

Vipers netminder Michel Robinson made an incredible 67 saves as the Giants reigned in 72 shots.

Jason Tejchma netted the only penalty shot as the Giants missed all three attempts.

Newcastle were given a standing ovation by the Giants fans who then proceeded to boo their own side off the ice.

Two first-period goals from Evan Cheverie, sandwiched around one from Tom Walsh, gave the Giants a 3-0 lead at the end of the first period.

I don't think it will be the same team in two weeks and I know its my job on the line as well Giants coach Steve Thornton

Everything looked on track, so much so that back-up netminder Nathan Craze replaced Stephen Murphy.

Colin Shields netted soon after the restart to extend the advantage but the wheels then came off the Giants wagon.

Ben Campbell and Dean Holland closed the gap and despite Tim Cook making it 5-2, Matic Kralj scored short-handed and that was the night done for Craze as Murphy came back in.

But that made no difference as two powerplay goals from Ryan Mahrle and Tejchma tied the score at 5-5.

Giants coach Steve Thornton said Sunday's defeat left him the "most embarrassed I've ever been in my pro career".

"All losses hurt but the guys just checked out. It's not good enough and it's unfair for the fans to have to come and watch that.

"I don't think it will be the same team in two weeks and I know it's my job on the line as well.

"Guys were selfish and there's nowhere to hide," Thornton acknowledged.

The Giants, in third, trail Nottingham by six points at the top of the Elite League.

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