The Wightlink Raiders title hopes are in their own hands after two massive wins at the weekend helped open up a six point lead at the top of the ENL.
Saturday’s 4-3 win over Streatham was followed up with a 5-1 road win last night away to bogey team Oxford – two wins which mean the Island team have now gone 15 games without defeat.
Saturday’s win over Streatham should have been fairly comfortable after three easy wins already over the Redskins this season. But credit to Streatham who came with a small squad and still managed to give the league leaders a fright at Ryde Arena.
Raiders on course in first period
Alex Murray, Robbie Brown and Brad Watchorn had set the Raiders on course for victory in the first period helping them go into the break 3-1 up. Murray then added his second to give the Raiders a three goal cushion before two late Streatham strikes made for a nervous last couple of minutes.
Sunday saw the Raiders travel to Oxford to take on the only team they’ve failed to beat so far this season. This time the home team were no match for the Raiders, who stormed into a 5-0 lead with two goals each from Jason Gorrie and Robbie Brown and Stewart Tait also getting on the scoresheet. Oxford then scored a late consolation goal.
Elsewhere last night Invicta Dynamos’ 3-3 draw with Chelmsford means they now can’t overtake the Raiders if they win their games in hand – meaning the Island team will end up champions if they win all their remaining matches.
Up against former coach, Gareth Endicott
This weekend Oxford make the return trip to Ryde Arena bringing with them several ex-Raiders including former coach Gareth Endicott. The last meeting between the two teams was full of incident and a big crowd is expected for Saturday’s rematch.
On Sunday the Raiders travel to Bracknell to take on the reigning play off champions.
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Nicky Craft
