Devils have one foot in final after Giant win

CARDIFF Devils are in pole position to progress to their third Challenge Cup final after a 5-2 first leg victory over defending champions Belfast Giants.

The Welsh outfit were on a six game winning run until Saturday's defeat to Coventry Blaze and were always going to provide stiff opposition to league leaders Belfast.

Former Sheffield Steeler Ryan Finnerty was a revelation on his Devils debut, laying on four of the Devils five goals.

Scott Romfo ensured the home side went into the first break 2-1 ahead after Giants' Michael Jacobsen had equalised Mark Smith's 15th minute strike.

A fiery second period saw two players from each team receiving major penalties for fighting.  However, Tylor Michel's tenth goal of the season, mid-way through, ensured the Devils had a two-goal advantage with 20 mins left.

Brad Voth and Max Birbraer strikes put the game beyond doubt in the third but a late Jeff Szwez strike gave the Giants hope they might be able to turn round the semi-final when the Devils visit the Odyssey Stadium for the second leg on January 20.