LONDON RAIDERS 2-7 STREATHAM REDSKINS
Joe Johnston praised his team’s display as the Streatham Redskins comfortably beat London Raiders to advance to the semi-finals of the NIHL South Cup.
Goals from Johnston, Dom Hopkins, Callum Best, Louis Lockwood, Steve Fisher and two from Michael Ovarek sealed Streatham’s progression from the group phase.
A Tom Davis double and a goal from Stephen Deacon proved to be consolations for the Raiders and Johnston was delighted with the Redskins controlled display.
He said: “It’s a very tough place to come so going 3-0 up early settled us and I don’t think we had to play our best to get a 7-3 win.
“Our run in the cup last year helped build momentum and hopefully getting to the semi-final will do the same.”
Hopkins scrappy effort and Best’s powerful slap shot handed the Redskins a two-goal lead after just three minutes.
Fisher added a third in the first period before Ovarek and Lockwood increased the lead in the second.
Davis scored twice to give the Raiders hope heading into the final period.
Streatham spent 18 minutes with four players on the ice because of sin-bins and Johnston, who was guilty himself, was annoyed with the ill discipline.
“Our discipline has let us down in the past and maybe its crept back in,” he said.
“If we had spent less time in the penalty box we could have won by more.”
Johnston increased the lead before Ovarek’s second completed the Streatham scoring.
It was Johnston’s second goal of the season and saw him end a goal drought that dated back to October.
He said: “My scoring has deserted me a bit of late. I’ve got a lot of assists and been playing a bit more defensively but I’m pleased to score.
“As long as were winning and I’m contributing I’m happy, the result is the most important thing.”
The Redskins have now won three games in a row and face Cardiff Devils at home next week with Johnston believing they can continue their promising form.
He said: “At home we fancy ourselves against anyone but it will be a tough game, people view us as competing for fourth or fifth but I think we can aim higher.”
Feature image of Joe Johnston courtesy of Rick Webb, with thanks
