A DEPLETED Braehead Clan fought back from 3-0 down at home to Fife Flyers, but were edged out 4-3 in a closely fought contest on Sunday night.

Clan were missing four players with Matt Keith and Scott Pitt nursing injuries, Tristan Harper out and Gary Russell replaced by Travis Fullerton on the bench.

But Flyers got the ideal start when Danny Stewart bundled the puck in from close range with only a minute gone.

Clan went close as Ric Jackman and Thomas Nesbitt tested Fife goalie David Brown, but the Flyers goal remained unblemished in the first period.Kyle Haines doubled the lead for the visitors with a well-struck shot followed by TJ Caig, who poked it home as Flyers opened up a healthy advantage.

But Clan started the fightback at the end of the second period when Jamie Fritsch’s shot from the blue line zipped past Brown and the home side got themselves a lifeline.

Alex Leavitt sent a shot in at the near post to close the gap further and what seems impossible from the Clan, with the short bench, was suddenly on.

Then Fritsch picked up his second of the game when his shot squirmed underneath Brown and into the net to tie the game at three apiece.

Patrick Cullen edged the Flyers ahead again shortly after as the seconds ticked down on an absorbing game and it was a goal that made the difference as Todd Dutiuame’s men claimed the points.