Birrell looks forward to Dynamos visit

CHELMSFORD, UK – The biggest game for years is coming up this weekend for the Chieftains as they take on the Invicta Dynamos at the Riverside. The Dynamos are sitting pretty at the top of the table having dropped just 2 points all season, while the Chieftains are in second. The Chieftains have lost once and drawn 4 games in their 16 games so far. Not only that, but the two sets of net minders both find themselves in the top 10 net minders in the league, so it should be a great battle between 2 fairly evenly matched teams. Speaking to head coach Dean Birrell after the Chieftains 4-4 draw in Oxford last Sunday, this is what he had to say “We’re going into this game like we would most games. We’ve upped our training in the past week or so, but we had planned to do that anyway. We’ll have a gameplan for the Dynamos and we believe it is one that will be successful. It’s going to be a great game, whatever the outcome. A lot of fans have asked me ‘Can we beat Invicta?’ or ‘Are we as good as Invicta?’. My answer to those questions is ‘yes’ and ‘I don’t know’. We have the hunger and desire and enthusiasm emanating from the younger players, but are we quite there yet? I am not so sure. We’re going to give it our best though, but as we’ve said before we’re not here to challenge Invicta at this stage. Our aim has always been to get into the playoffs and develop the youngsters and so far so good in that respect.”

Birrell continued “It does seem that we are the only side really pushing Invicta at the moment, but don’t rule out a charge from the Cardiff Devils or even Oxford who are looking at improving their side for a run. The end of season run-in will be very exciting and who knows what will happen in the coming months. In many ways, that isn’t our concern right now. Our concern is the next game and that is what we are concentrating our efforts on”. Chelmsford will go into the game hoping that net minder Andy Moffat is fit enough to play. Moffat has missed the last couple of games through injury and suspension and is hopeful of being ready to play. Failing that, reliable goalie Ben Clements will step into Moffat’s skates once again. “Ben can play the game for sure. I signed him as I knew what he was capable of and I knew what I wanted from him. He’s got a run in the side at the moment and it’s up to him to grab the chance and make it hard to take him out the side when Moffs returns. I have every confidence in Ben and his abilities and I know the fans are behind him too.” said Birrell “We really need the fans to be in full voice this week and give the boys a boost on Sunday. I believe the game could well depend on who has that extra edge and perhaps the loud Chieftains fans will be that edge” Face off at the Riverside is 6:30pm, but it is likely to be very busy at the Essex rink, so fans are advised to get there early to avoid congestion. Contact the author Pete.Lewis@prohockeynews.com