Vipers strike late to go top

Longstaff late goal sinks Steelers

Last updated: 7th November 2009  

Vipers strike late to go top

Vipers: League leaders

Newcastle moved to the top of the Elite league after a late goal from David Longstaff sealed a 3-2 victory over Sheffield on Friday.

Vipers skipper Longstaff's match-winning score with four minutes to go saw his side jump four places to take top spot.

Mike Berry put the visitors ahead early on before Doug Sheppard drew the Steelers level.

But Tyler Kindle's powerplay goal at 47.30 restored Newcastle's advantage to win the third period 2-1.

The Vipers owed much of that to goaltender Michel Robinson, who defended 25 shots on goal, giving up just one in the process.

Within three minutes left however Sheppard scored again with a powerplay goal of his own to level for the second time at 50.08.

But with the game finely balanced and overtime looking increasingly likely, Longstaff closed the game out in the 56th minute, firing home a well-placed winner.