Raiders slump continues as the Hornets take the spoils.

ISLE OF WIGHT, UK –  Wightlink Raiders returned to home ice hoping to make amends for the previous weekends horrorshow 8-1 defeat at the Chelmsford Chieftains. However the island team’s poor form continued as the visiting Bracknell Hornets ran out comfortable 6-3 winners on the night. The Raiders never found any sort of rhythm or fluency in this match and as the game wore on the home team’s frustrations boiled over and in the end the Raiders looked a sad and ill disciplined outfit.  Credit must be handed to the well organised and hard hitting Hornets team, who once they got their noses in front after Craig Tribe scored their second goal on the powerplay 7 minutes 32 seconds into the second period, always looked like they were in control. Steve Gosset was given a Match penalty shortly afterwards for High Sticks as the small crowd started to see signs of the poor discipline from the home team that continued to mar this performance. James Galazzi added a third just before the end of the period as the scoreline started to reflect the Berkshire team’s supremacy.
 
The first period had been a fairly even affair. Alex Barker opened the scoring for the Hornets but Steve Gosset equalised on 11 minutes. 1-1 was a good reflection on the play at the first period break. There was little indication at this point of how dominant the visitors would become later in the game.
 
The Hornets started the final period in the ascendancy and Craig Tribe completed his hat trick, his strikes sandwiching a counter from Thomas. Damon Larter and Danny Hughes scored for the Raiders to give a 3-6 scoreline that slightly flattered the home team.
 
The Raiders Andy Robinson was also ejected on a Match penalty for roughing. He had his stick broken by a slash by the Hornets Bradley Watchorn. The red mist then enveloped Andy who dropped his gloves and lashed out at the nearest player to hand, earning himself the Raiders second match penalty of the night. Coach Jeremy Cornish then spent sometime chasing Watchorn about challenging him to drop the gloves as the home team’s self control evaporated. The Raiders went on to rack up 60 minutes of penalties in the second and third period of this match.
 
D-man Dan Scott also injured his knee and must be doubtful for the upcoming clash with the Oxford City Stars. The Raiders short bench could do without any further omissions for what is a vital clash if the island team is to remain in contention for a playoff spot.
 
 
Contact the author Dave.Logan@Prohockeynews.com  

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