ICE HOCKEYWightlink Raiders 3, Invicta Dynamos 2
A THREE-GOAL blitz in the first period was just enough to secure a vital victory over a battling Invicta Dynamos on Saturday night.
Matches between these old rivals have always been close, and this match was no exception, with Raiders putting on a brilliant display in the opening period only to be pegged back by the Kent side in the next two.
They had goalkeeper and man of the match Liam McAllister to thank for the victory, as he pulled off some excellent stops to keep Dynamos at bay.
The match was won thanks to some sumptuous play from the Raiders in the opening session, leaving the Dynamos — featuring former Raiders Robbie Brown and Andy Moffat — flummoxed.
The breakthrough came just six minutes into the match as Raiders took full advantage of a two-man powerplay, Dominic Hopkins slamming in what is now a trademark shot from the blue line.
With the bit between their teeth, Raiders charged on, hassling Moffat and unnerving the Scotsman into making schoolboy errors. They doubled their lead when player-coach Jeremy Cornish tapped in from close range after Alex Murray’s pinpoint pass, then made it 3-0 two minutes later with a beautifully worked goal scored from Conor Pollard, assists going to Joe Rand and Richard Facey.
The match looked to be shaping up for a rout but Dynamos came back after the break revitalised, and they quickly pulled a goal back, the speedy Andy Smith netting after a breakaway.
Dynamos now had the momentum but with McAllister between the pipes, and solid defence from the likes of Steve Gannaway, Daniel Pye and captain Damon Larter, they were held.
Fingernails were being chewed in the third period when again, Dynamos scored early on, paving the way for 17 minutes of pressure on the Raiders goal as Dynamos looked for an equaliser, but the hosts dug deep and secured the two points.
Romford Raiders 6, Wightlink Raiders 3
If early form is anything to go by, this year’s league title looks set to go to Essex, as Romford continue to be a thorn in the side of the current champions.
Raiders were unable to get anything from this match, their third loss to Romford so far this season. But they pushed Romford all the way for two periods and were unfortunate not to be able to keep the momentum going.
Raiders took the lead in the ninth minute, courtesy of Cornish, but Romford quickly replied with a goal three minutes later. The Island side then had a brilliant chance to take the lead in the opening seconds of the second period, with a penalty shot, but Joe Rand somehow missed.
Romford made them pay with a goal just minutes later, and although Facey made it 2-2, Romford nudged ahead again quickly.
They made it 4-2 early in the third period and although that goal was cancelled by Pye’s effort at 46.18, Romford asserted their authority with goals at 50.39 and 58.17 to secure a comfortable win.
Man of the match was Arran Strawson.
There is another tough weekend ahead for the Raiders. Tomorrow (Saturday) the side host Oxford City Stars at Ryde Arena, face off 6pm, before travelling to leaders Chelmsford Chieftains on Sunday.