ISLE OF WIGHT , UK – The Wightlink Raiders failed to produce the necessary performance losing 1-2 to the Oxford City Stars in what was a must win match for the island team. Sitting in sixth position in the table before the face off, the Raiders needed a win in this match to close the gap on Oxford who sat one place above the Raiders. Sadly the Raiders continued to under perform in a match that never really got going as a spectacle.
Oxford started the match brightly and after missing a couple of early chances it was ex Raider Alan Green who put the visitors ahead on 2:54 capitalising on some chaotic defending in front of home netminder Toby Cooley. The Stars continued to dominate in what was a penalty strewn first period and ended the period leading the shot count 18-11.
In the second the Raiders did manage to get a foothold in the game and equalised early in the period through skipper Danny Hughes. The Raiders then took the upper hand and were unfortunate not to capitalise on several good chances created. However Oxford scored what turned out to be the match winner in somewhat controversial circumstances. A slapshot by another ex Raider Andy Shurmer appeared to pass through the net. Referee Rene Ross allowed play to continue briefly before stopping play and awarding the goal to Oxford . This is not the first time this season that there have been problems with the net at the scoreboard end, maybe it is time the Raiders invested in some new nets.
Oxford controlled the final period. The Raiders huffed and puffed but never seriously threatened the Stars goal. Oxford played good controlled hockey and eventually the Raiders frustrations led them to run into more penalty problems which robbed them of any chance of getting an equaliser.
On the Sunday evening the Raiders travelled to Oxford for the return fixture. In a much improved performance the Raiders clinched the away tie 3-1. This keeps the Raiders slim hopes of passing the Stars in the table alive. This coming Saturday the Raiders face another stiff examination of their credentials in the ENL when the high flying Chelmsford Chieftains visit the Ice Cube.
Contact the author Dave.Logan@Prohockeynews.com
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