IT was a tough weekend for Manchester Storm who lost both their games to Cardiff Devils and Sheffield Steelers.

On Saturday, Storm hosted current champions Cardiff and were chasing the game for most of the evening but their never-say-die attitude saw them level things up and take the game into overtime.

However, Cardiff scored the winner and Storm’s winning run at home came to an end.

Luke Moffatt, Mike Hammond (two) and Ciaran Long were on the scoresheet for Storm.

On Sunday, the team made the short journey to Sheffield and lost 4-1.

Storm started slowly and went 2-0 down but got stronger as the game wore on and Evan Richardson reduced the arrears with a well-taken goal. Steelers then took advantage of the high penalty count they were awarded to stretch their lead.

Head coach Ryan Finnerty said: “I thought we played well against Cardiff and showed great team spirit.

"The Sheffield game was disruptive with the penalty count against us.

"We clawed our way back to 2-1 but lost out to two late goals."

This weekend Storm travel to Milton Keynes on Saturday evening before playing Fife Flyers at the Storm Shelter on Sunday (5.30pm).

Then, next Tuesday, they host Nottingham in the Challenge Cup quarter-final first leg (7.30pm).