Sheffield beat Cardiff 3-1 to preserve perfect Challenge Cup record

Sheffield Steelers maintained their perfect record in Challenge Cup Group A with a 3-1 home victory over Cardiff Devils, leaving the visitors still without an away win in the competition. According to BBC Sport's match report, Sheffield came from behind at the Utilita Arena before an empty-net goal in the closing seconds secured the result.

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Cardiff had beaten Nottingham Panthers 5-3 at home 24 hours earlier and made the first breakthrough in Sheffield. Ryan Barrow scored on a breakaway midway through the opening period, giving the Devils a lead they held until just before the interval. Sheffield's equaliser arrived with only 27 seconds remaining in the period and required a video review before it was confirmed.

Dominic Cormier's shot deflected off Brandon Whistle's stick and looped over Cardiff goaltender Ben Bowns into the net. Officials checked whether the puck had been played with a high stick before awarding the goal. Mitchell Balmas then put Sheffield in front with a shorthanded goal during the second period, overturning Cardiff's early advantage.

The Devils remained within one goal until the final moments and removed Bowns in pursuit of an equaliser. Macoy Erkamps capitalised on the unguarded net with 11 seconds left, completing Sheffield's scoring. The victory left the Steelers top of Group A on eight points from four wins: two in regulation and two in overtime. Cardiff sit second with six points after three wins and three defeats.

Despite the result, Cardiff head coach Paul Thompson said, in comments reported by BBC Sport, that he was much more satisfied with his players than after their 5-1 defeat at Guildford Flames the previous weekend. He praised their effort, commitment and response during the game, while acknowledging the disappointment of leaving without any points. Thompson contrasted the performance with Guildford, where he felt his side had fallen short of its usual standards.

Cardiff now turn to the start of their Elite League campaign, with five consecutive home fixtures ahead. Manchester Storm are their first opponents at the Vindico Arena on Saturday, 3 October, with face-off scheduled for 19:00 BST.