Thunder 1 - Mustangs 2

The Perth Thunder have gone down in a hard-fought game in Melbourne 2-1 against the Melbourne Mustangs.

Ben Breault scored the lone goal for the Thunder late in the first period, but it wasn't enough to gain a win for the Thunder as the Mustangs fought hard to keep their AIHL finals hopes alive.

The Thunder out-shot the Mustangs 32-30, but Fraser Carson was stellar in net for the home team, allowing only one goal while the power play went 0-for-4 on the night.

The Mustangs opened the scoring after 12 minutes of play in the first period, before Breault scored on the assists from Jamie Woodman and Jessyko Bernard to level the scores at 1-1 after the first period.

The second period went by scoreless, before the Mustangs assumed the lead during the third period, and held on to take a 2-1 victory.

The Mustangs closed the gap in fifth spot to just four points behind the CBR Brave, while the Newcastle North Stars' win over the Brave saw the Thunder drop to third place in the AIHL standings, with two games in hand.

The Thunder and Mustangs will re-convene at O'Brien Group Arena tomorrow at 2pm AWST, and you can stream the clash here.