Streatham Redskins 5-5 Wightlink Raiders
Streatham Redskins skipper Joe Johnston was disappointed not to win Sunday’s enthralling 5-5 home clash with Wightlink Raiders, despite stretching their unbeaten run to seven games.
Louis Lockwood’s goal from the right wing on 54 minutes crept over the line to put Streatham level and set up a grandstand finale in a see-saw tussle.
Callum Best then saw a shot swiped away by Wightlink keeper Chico Cole and a Johnston effort whistled past the goal as Streatham searched in vain for a late winner
It followed Saturday’s 6-1 win at Cardiff Devils and keeps them top of English National Ice Hockey League South One, not that that could dampen Johnston’s disappointment.
Fisher slotting the puck past Wightlink tonight, great game and thanks for coming #reportToFollow pic.twitter.com/E6bXQIz2Ox
— Streatham Redskins (@StreathamHockey) October 20, 2014
“The fact that I feel quite disappointed about it shows how far we’ve moved on because I felt like we should have won the game,” he said.
“We were a bit lacklustre at times. Maybe the long journey from Cardiff caught up with everyone a little bit.”
Streatham man-of-the-match Adam Wood added: “I was happy with how the guys came together.
“It’s a sign of where we want to be heading this season if you’re disappointed with a 5-5 draw against one of the top teams in the league.”
Saturday’s win at Cardiff Devils came courtesy of doubles from Sean Scarbrough, Best and Dom Hopkins, but four Streatham men – including coach Warren Rost and keeper Will Sanderson – were ejected with Johnston used as an auxiliary defenceman.
Redskins were soon ahead again on Sunday, Steven Fisher scoring from close range to give them the lead with less than two minutes on the clock.
But Wightlink equalised though Jaroslav Cesky before Owen Griffiths put them ahead.
Best then slotted home after good wing work from Michal Oravec, but Stevie Balmer edged the Raiders 3-2 ahead.
A simmering first period boiled over when Oravec and Craig Tribe dropped the gloves and fought.
Fisher hauled Streatham level in the second period, then goals from Griffiths and Hopkins made it 4-4.
Craig Tribe put Raiders ahead in the third period before Lockwood’s equaliser.
And Johnston is confident they can maintain their good form.
“Why not?” he said.
“ We’ve got another tough weekend next weekend against Invicta and Oxford.
“There’s a hell of a long way to go yet but things are good.”
Feature image of Dominic Hopkins, courtesy of Rick Webb, with thanks
