Jeremey Cornish celcbrates scoring against Cardiff. Picture by Nicky Craft.
ICE HOCKEYWIGHTLINK Raiders showed they were a perfect play-off side last weekend, thumping Cardiff ENL Devils over two matches.
The Raiders have put themselves in a commanding position in their group, and know the same performance against Chelmsford Chieftains next weekend will see them reach the two-leg play-off finals in a fortnight’s time — and the chance to win the club’s first silverware since the Millennium Cup in the 2000-2001 season.
Player-coach Jeremy Cornish told the County Press that morale within the camp is sky high.
"We are feeling confident and really want the fans to make some noise when Chelmsford visit us. We showed last weekend that we are a play-off side and we are ready.
"I had to explain to a few of the lads how the play-offs work and they were really excited. We all bought in, did our jobs and it really worked."
On Saturday, Raiders hosted Cardiff for the first of the double-header and, in one of their best performances of the season, dispatched the Devils 7-5.
Alex Murray opened the scoring and, after Cardiff equalised, Andrew Robinson gave Raiders a vital first-period lead. Two goals for Cornish and the second of the night for Robinson ensured the Island side maintained the lead after 40, going into the final session 5-3 up. They made sure of victory with goals from Kevin Tanner and Cornish, to complete his hat-trick. James Udell was man of the match.
The following day, and full of confidence from the night before, the Raiders pulled off another top-class display to win 4-1, issuing Cardiff with their first home defeat of the season. Goals came from Damon Larter, Udell, Cornish and Tanner.
Geoff Underwood, of the club’s management team, said: "I am really proud of the lads for their performance last weekend, they have all stepped up so much, especially since the loss of Dan Scott to injury, and John Sarno, who left earlier this year.
"I am expecting next weekend’s matches to be brilliant, and, as next Saturday’s match is the last confirmed home game of the season, I hope a big crowd will turn out to support the side."
This weekend, the side will be keeping an eye on the other play-off group, as English National League Division 1 champions Invicta Dynamos, aim to stake their claim on a finals spot.
Reporter: sport@iwcpmail.co.uk