Fife Flyers 3 MK Lightning 2

Ricards Birzins’ stunning third period strike capped a fine Fife Flyers performance to ensure Milton Keynes Lightning’s first game in Scotland this weekend ended in disappointment.

A keenly fought contest saw the home side get the first of the night as Shayne Stockton set up Charlie Mosey, who drilled a low shot past MK goalie Miika Wiikman.

Flyers enjoyed the bulk of the chances during the second period, setting them up nicely for their second when Chase Schaber made this most of his opportunity.

Lightning started to find their feet in terms of scoring as Kevin Gibson tucked away a rebound to get Pete Russell’s men on the board.

Then Francis Verreault-Paul took advantage of some confusion in the Flyers rearguard to equalise and the game was level after 40 minutes.

A huge shorthanded goal from Birzins eight minutes into third period re-established a lead for the home side.

Despite there only being one goal separating the two sides, it was the Flyers who took the points as they began their three-game weekend in winning fashion.