Raiders lose a close one

ISLE OF WIGHT , UK – The Cardiff ENL Devils defied the weather conditions and made the lengthy trip to the Isle of Wight to take on the Wightlink Raiders. They were rewarded with a 5-4 victory from a game that kept the small crowd enthralled throughout. The Raiders were in dire need of a result against one of the division’s top teams but despite a much improved performance the spoils went to the visitors.
 
The home team had the best of what was a lively first period, despite running into penalty problems from the somewhat fussy referee, Dean Smith. However it was the Devils who opened the scoring at 16:46 , Corey Watkins netting a delayed penalty powerplay goal.
 
The second period saw the Devils in the ascendancy but the Raiders equalised through a fine strike from Kieran Annis before David James and Daniel Bowers put the Devils in control. Steve Gossett quickly replied for the Raiders but a second goal from David James restored the Devils lead. John Sarno completed the scoring for the period and kept his team in contention going into the final act.
 
The third period saw the Raiders play some of their best hockey of the season to date. Ex Raider Mike Brabon was in inspired form in the Devils goal and pulled off several top class saves to deny his former club. At 41:50 the Devils were awarded a penalty shot but Toby Cooley in the Raiders net saved Steven Fisher’s somewhat weak effort. Skipper Danny Hughes then deservedly pulled the Raiders level. The home team then laid siege on the Devils goal but could not get the puck past Mike Brabon. Against the run of play Corey Watkins bagged the winner for the Devils at 55:47.
 
Despite the disappointment of defeat the Raiders and their followers can take some consolation from this game. If the Raiders can perform at this level on a regular basis they will surely start to climb the table. Cardiff proved once again that they are a good, well drilled team and their lofty position in the table is well deserved.
 
The Raiders Sunday fixture against the Milton Keynes Thunder was postponed due to the weather conditions and so the Raiders will next take to the ice next Saturday (16/01) against cellar dwellers the Peterborough Islanders.
Contact the author Dave.Logan@Prohockeynews.com