Shields the star as Belfast down Cardiff

COLIN Shields' man-of-the-match performance kept Belfast Giants' title challenge on course as they swept aside Cardiff Devils 4-2 at the Odyssey Arena.

The Scottish forward netted twice for the Giants and also added an assist to lead the Northern Irish side to victory.

George Awada opened the scoring for the hosts in the 12^th minute when he fired home a pinpoint pass from Bobby Robins.

But the Devils were soon level when Brad Voth found a way past netminder Stevie Lyle.

And ex-Devil Lyle was helpless to prevent Cardiff taking the lead in the second period with Wes Jarvis rounding off a fine move from the visitors.

But it was a different story after the half time interval when Shields turned on the style.

The 28-year-old drew Belfast level in the powerplay when he finished Thornton's neat pass before cannoning home his second just seven minutes later.

And as Cardiff went all out for the equaliser Paul Deniset rounded off the scoring, tapping into an empty net.

NICK CLOWES