ICE HOCKEYTHERE were mixed feelings for Wightlink Raiders at the weekend after they followed up Saturday’s draw with Bristol Pitbulls with victory against Streatham Redskins.
Raiders drew 4-4 with Pitbulls at Ryde Arena on Saturday, before they came away from Streatham on Sunday with a 7-4 win.
Raiders were disappointed after Saturday’s match with Pitbulls, having enjoyed more of the play against their improving opponents.
Joe Rand, pictured, put Raiders 1-0 ahead with a goal of the season candidate, after he took a sublime pass from Richard Facey to fire home. Former Raider Shannon Taylor scored two goals in a minute to put Pitbulls 2-1 ahead, before they extended their lead to 3-1.
Raiders were level at the interval after strikes from Dominic Hopkins and Rand, who completed his hat-trick in the third period, to put Raiders 4-3 ahead.
A series of penalties were awarded in the third period, including one for Facey and Murray for boarding and dissent respectively, and Pitbulls secured a point with an equaliser five minutes from time.
In Sunday’s clash with Streatham, Rand gave Raiders the lead at the end of the first period, before they doubled their advantage after the interval when Murray netted.
The hosts hit back three minutes later, before they equalised on 30 minutes. Rand put Raiders 3-2 ahead, before a penalty was given against Jeremy Cornish for roughing.
Redskins made it 3-3 but Raiders were 5-3 ahead at the end of the second period. Nathan Taylor scored for Raiders after the break to give the Island side a three-goal advantage but Redskins hit back with two minutes remaining, to take the score to 6-4.
Damon Larter wrapped up victory for Raiders when he netted in the final seconds to give the visitors a 7-4 victory.
Raiders play Chelmsford Chieftains at Ryde Arena on Saturday at 6pm.