ROMFORD, UK – The Raiders returned to winning ways following Saturday’s one-goal defeat on the Isle Of Wight, beating the Bristol Pitbulls 6-2 at Rom Valley Way. JJ McGrath returned to the line-up following his three-game suspension, whilst defenceman Billy Phillips sat out a one-game ban earned on a high-sticking call the night before. Michael Gray was rested after his heroics against Wightlink, Glen Jackson getting the start in net. Bristol began brightly in a fashion that much belied their floundering league position. They were quick to loose pucks and first in most of the early foot races. Goaltender Michael Crisp denied Juraj Huska and Frankie Harvey with a pair of superb left-pad saves, two of many excellent stops the young ‘keeper would make through 60 minutes. Crisp could do little to prevent Huska scoring his 41st goal of the season late in the first period, the Slovakian finding the bottom left-hand corner with a first-time shot on the turn. The Raiders dominated possession for the most part but were unable to further solve Crisp before the break. The visitors cashed in on their goaltenders stirring performance with a tying goal early in the second period, Steve Osman scoring past Jackson after the Raiders goaltender had denied Bristol player-coach Ritchie Hargreaves at close-range. Both sides had chances to strike on the powerplay after minor calls to Henrik Sahling and Tyrone Miller, though it was McGrath that edged Raiders back in front on a delayed penalty later in the period. Crisp was able to stop Harvey and Liam Doyle but could do little about McGrath’s rebound from the top of the crease. Huska‘s second of the night staked the Raiders‘ to a two-goal lead midway through the second before AJ Smith’s powerplay tally with four seconds remaining on Ali Band’s hooking minor finally put an end to Bristol’s dogged resistance. Crisp continued to make big saves as the Raiders pushed forward in the third period. Jason Buckman put the gloss on a gorgeous tic-tac-toe play with AJ Smith and Miller before both sides traded goals late in the game. Mike Hargreaves’ powerplay tally gave a valiant Pitbulls side something to cheer about, the ‘bulls captain firing home from the blueline as Raiders’ Julian Smith sat out an interference call. Danny Marshall capped the scoring in the dying minutes following a fine solo rush by Harvey. The youngster danced down the right side, firing a perfect pass right to the stick of Marshall for the one-time finish. Contact the author – alex.nunn@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.