Photograph of the Cardiff Devils in action against the GMB Nottingham Panthers courtsey of Jessica Roberts: www.jessicarobertsphotography.com.

A big third period saw the GMB Panthers snag a two goal lead at the end of the first leg of this year's Challenge Cup final with a 2-4 win in Wales against the Cardiff Devils.

The second leg is at the TrentFM Arena on Tuesday March 9th. Tickets now on sale.

Panthers picked up where they left off in Saturday's league game against the same opposition where they had upped a gear or two for the final push to draw level in regulation.

In a physical game the score was 0-0 after the first. Bruce Richardson put a Marty Gascon rebound away to open the scoring just past half-way but the Devils equalised on a powerplay and the third period of the first leg staretd even-stevens.

Michel got his second for the home side to put them ahead and the GMB Panthers blew a five-on-three powerplay before storming  back with three unanswered goals. Marc Levers equalised at 47.50, man of the match Marty Gascon finished top-shelf with Sean McAslan riding shot-gun on the attack at 51.10 and then during penalty kill the Devils gave it away and Danny Meyers jumped in to breakaway and score on the short side at 57.06 to wrap up a great first leg.