Raiders look to rebound from derby defeat

ROMFORD, UK – Danny Marshall’s Romford Raiders look to rebound this weekend after a Sunday no-show against the Chelmsford Chieftains saw their lead atop the English National League South table disappear. Chelmsford were good value for their 4-1 win at Rom Valley Way on Sunday; Danny Hammond (2), Gary Clarke and Tom Long capitalised on ill-discipline in the Raiders ranks to tally three times on the powerplay, a fact that won’t be lost on Team Manager Mick Cahill who touched on the impact of penalties in Sunday’s game-night magazine. In reference to the previous weekend’s tight wins over the Streatham Redskins, Cahill said: “Redskins’ netminders in both games gave truly inspired performances and Romford penalties led to opposition goals yet again. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve said that, five on five, I think we’re the best team in the league. We have a couple of great penalty kill units too but I’d rather we didn’t see so much of them. As much as we can, let’s not go short-handed tonight.” JJ McGrath’s late penalty – which led to Tom Long icing the game with the Chieftains’ fourth of the night – will not have done much to please Cahill. Misplaced passes and fumbled setups blighted Raiders for most of the night, but that shouldn’t detract from an excellent road game by the Chieftains. Raiders physical style has given them the edge in previous derby games, though Sunday’s tilt saw the visitors take their lumps and respond in kind. Chelmsford were brighter going forward, too, and if not for the excellent Glen Jackson the winning margin may arguably have been far more. After a bright start by the home side, Danny Hammond capitalised on a defensive error to fire Chieftains ahead on the powerplay. Gary Clarke doubled the lead on a 5-on-3 man advantage, and Hammond one-timed Ross Brears setup for his second of the night and a 3-0 Chelmsford lead. Anthony Leone’s wrist shot gave Raiders brief hope early in the third period, though McGrath’s penalty – and thus, Tom Long’s powerplay tally, iced the game with only a couple of minutes remaining. Raiders, perhaps rightly frustrated with their inconsistencies on the night, have an immediate chance at redemption this Sunday as the two Essex rivals meet at the Riverside for another huge ENL derby clash. Lost in the mix of that game, though, is an equally important game on Saturday against the much-improved Bristol Pitbulls. The Pitbulls, strengthened by recent signings and returnees, are not one to be underestimated in advance of Sunday’s game. Contact the author – alex.nunn@prohockeynews.com