Dundee Stars coach Omar Pacha believes his men showed an improvement despite being elbowed out of the Challenge Cup at the quarter-final stage by Glasgow Clan in midweek, 4-1 on the night in Braehead and 5-2 on aggregate.

Stars, who have not won in five games, played well in the first period, according to the coach. Jordan Haywood netted for Clan after four minutes and Craig Gans countered after ten for Dundee.

Pacha felt Stars generated chances and the coach argued that Stars were the better side in the second.

Two quick goals from Linden Springer after 34min 25sec and Mathieu Roy in 36min 30sec changed things and from being level at 1-1 Clan enjoyed a 3-1 lead and they did not look back.

Matthew Haywood scored the fourth short-handed but Starsā€™ Canadian playcaller added: ā€œWe had chances, but it was hard for us to counter.

“Overall, in the game itself, as much are we are struggling to score goals, I thought defensively we were better. We did not give up as many chances as we have in our last three or four games.ā€

The Tayside team entertain third-placed Belfast Giants on Friday (7.30pm) while Fife Flyers travel to league pace-setters Sheffield Steelers on Saturday (7.00pm).

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