Another four point weekend has left the Wightlink Raiders even closer to their first trophy for more than a decade with the destiny of the championship back firmly in their hands.
Saturday saw the Raiders take on their Essex namesakes Romford Raiders at Ryde Arena – a match crucial for both teams and which could have seen Romford take on the league favourites mantle had they secured the two points.
It was the visitors who struck first with a goal just one second from the end of the first period, player coach Danny Marshall converting to give them a 1-0 lead.
Wightlink Raiders battled back
The Island team battled back though and finally found a way through a solid Romford defence on 32 minutes with Steve Gosset maintaining his recent scoring form. Then a tense third period produced end to end hockey to thrill the large crowd and it was the Island Raiders who grabbed the winning goal Jason Gorrie scoring on the powerplay with six minutes left.
It was another great advert for ENL hockey and means the Raiders have now beaten all their title rivals in recent weeks to leave them on the brink of title glory.
Tough game with Wildcats
On Sunday a battling Swindon Wildcats gave the league leaders a tough game but eventually succumbed to a 6-3 defeat. Robbie Brown, Stewart Tait, Richard Facey, Nathan Taylor, Andy Robinson and Josh Florey all getting on the scoresheet.
With four games left of their league campaign the Raiders need six points to be certain of the title and with three home games left against Bracknell, Swindon and Cardiff they may well lift the trophy in front of their home fans.
Coming weekend
This weekend reigning play off champions Bracknell Hornets are the visitors to Ryde Arena on Saturday before a vital away trip to Romford on Sunday.
Two wins next weekend would mean the Raiders would then clinch the title if they beat Swindon at home the following weekend.
The final buzzer
Update: 2.Mar.11
Thanks to Raiders fan, Nuckinuk, who has uploaded this video of the last second of Saturday’s game.
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Nicky Craft
