Invicta Dynamos 7-2 Streatham Redskins
Will Sanderson’s Streatham Redskins were made to pay for a poor final two periods as they suffered a heavy defeat to rivals Invicta Dynamos.
Despite going behind in the first period, goals from Sean Scarborough and Robbie Brown put Redskins ahead before Invicta drew level.
After that it was all Invicta as they scored four goals in quick succession and then added a seventh in the dying moments.
Redskins, who have lost three of their past four matches, were missing Joe Allen and Dominic Hopkins against a side they had failed to beat all season, but the showing from the second period onwards was the main concern for goaltender Sanderson.
“I’d say the first period we looked like we were going to give them a game,” he said.
“The rest of the game we just seemed to lose energy and we weren’t quite getting at them.
“They had a bit of time and space and they were putting away their opportunities and we simply weren’t.
“We also had a couple of players missing so we gave a chance to some of the younger players who I think did a good job filling in.”
The Londoners got off to a bad start when Invicta’s Andy Smith scored in the first minute before Scarborough equalised from a Calum Best pass.
Brown gave the visitors the lead as they continued their dominance but Callum Fowler equalised for Invicta before the break.
The second period was a nightmare for Streatham as they fell 6-2 behind. As they attempted to claw their way back in the final period, all they could do was concede when Arran Strawson completed the scoring.
With four league games left, Redskins remain third in the National Ice Hockey League South One, nine points behind leaders Chelmsford Chieftains who also have two games in hand.
Sanderson says his side’s focus must now switch to the upcoming play-off games as well as their two –legged cup semi-final against Chelmsford this weekend.
“We just need to focus on our overall goal which at the moment is the play-offs and the cup,” he said.
“It feels that the league is out of reach with Chelmsford being so far clear.
“We need to get a result against Chelmsford in the cup because we need to be getting some silverware now to show for the amount of effort we have put in.”
Feature image of Will Sanderson, courtesy of Rick Webb, with thanks
