Nottingham Panthers lifted the Challenge Cup trophy with a 9-7 aggregate victory over arch rivals Sheffield Steelers at the National Ice Centre tonight.

Panthers - who thrashed Steelers 6-1 at home in the Elite League last Saturday - led 6-3 from the first leg but despite losing 4-3 on the night, the play-off champions picked up their second successive piece of silverware.

Mike Ellis's side had a great chance to virtually wrap up the tie inside two minutes but Corey Neilson was denied by Steelers goaltender Jody Lehman.

A great double save from Nottingham goaltender Tom Askey then prevented former Panther Dan Tessier, jeered throughout on his return, from putting Steelers in front.

But two quickfire goals towards the end of the first period hauled Steelers back into the contest.

First Tessier rifled a shot past Askey on the powerplay in the 17th minute.

Then, 106 seconds later, Doug Sheppard converted another powerplay, this time James Ferrara serving a roughing penalty.

But Panthers cut the deficit in the 34th minute, Johan Molin taking advantage of a five-on-three powerplay and with 49 seconds of the second period remaining, Patrik Wallenberg levelled with the fourth powerplay marker of the night.

Steelers regained the lead in the 47th minute with yet another powerplay strike, Joe Talbot capitalising.

They then restored their two-goal cushion with eight minutes left as Jeff Legue netted just 25 seconds after stepping out of the penalty box.

But Panthers denied Steelers the chance to secure success in their enemy's back yard as Ryan Shmyr netted on the powerplay with five minutes left.

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