Knights' final charge is not good enough

London Knights put up a brave defence of their Sekonda Super-league play-off title before losing 2-1 to the Sheffield Steelers at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham last night.

Steelers' victory makes them the first side to win ice hockey's grand slam since Ayr Scottish Eagles' clean sweep in 1997/98.

Knights took the lead late in the first period when defenceman Aaron Boh forced the puck home.

But Sheffield's class began to show when the game entered the second period and man of the match Kent Simpson levelled, beating London netminder Trevor Robins high to his left. Scott Allison won the game when he converted a pass from Steve Carpenter early in the final period.

Knights coach Chris McSorley, who will decide on his future in the next couple of days, praised his team's efforts. He said: "We were beaten by a very good side. I'm exceptionally proud of the effort my team has put in.

"They can hold their heads up high. We beat a very good team on Saturday and we got beat by an excellent side in the final."

He added: "I'm very happy with the way Aaron Boh played. Tonight I thought he played his best game."

Sheffield's jubilant coach Mike Blaisdell said: "It was a hell of a hockey game."