The Portage Islanders fell 3-1 to Carman in game four of the South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League semi-final. The Beavers can advance to the final with a win Saturday in Portage as they lead the best-of-seven 3-1.

"It was a pretty quick game tonight," says Islander Jeremy Brooks. "There were a lot of penalties which didn't really work in our favour. We needed to play more five-on-five, and a couple bounces didn't go our way. It was a tight game and we'll have to bring a better effort for next game."

Carman scored first to take the lead eight minutes into the frame. Mark Owen found the back of the net with Nathan Karlowsky and Aaron Lewadniuk picking up the assists. Portage would tie the game about five minutes later. Captain Anders Strome scored a powerplay goal. Chris Reykdal and Eric Delong scored points on the play. It was a pretty even first period with both teams exchanging chances at each end of the rink.

The game-winning goal came in the second period. Owen connected with Lewadniuk for his second of the night, Ryan Leonzio picked up the secondary assist. Portage ran into some penalty trouble in the second and struggled to get any offence mounted.

"I think both teams really brought it today," adds Brooks. "The calls were kind of all over the place and momentum went back and forth as the penalties dictated. There's not much you can do about that, we just needed to get a couple more bounces to go our way."

Carman would add an empty net goal late in the third period to lock up game four. Jesse Livingston slid it into the empty cage with two minutes to play.

Game five is Saturday in Portage la Prairie. The Islanders need a win to extend the series.