Swooping In:Redhawks Haunted By Missed Chances

NIHL SOUTH 1 

STREATHAM REDHAWKS VS PETERBOROUGH PHANTOMS

SUNDAY 11/02/18

Pre Game

So first, a big thank you to the Streatham Redhawks, as I was the winner of the weeks twitter competition and so my flat mate and I got to enjoy this game compliments of the Hawks. 

The Redhawks came in to this game, off the back of a 6-0 victory over the struggling Cardiff Fire. The week before had been a weekend of two halves as the Hawks had been felled 5-2 in Swindon before only just managing to defeat local rivals London Raiders 4-3. 

Coach Cornish's defence corps would find itself depleeted this evening, already without long term injury victim Adam Wood. The continued absence of Chris Cooke would mean Michael Farn, Brendain Baird, Jordan Gregory and James Warman rotating all night long and not getting much of a rest between shifts. 

Some describe the hockey of the Peterborugh Phantoms as boring, and unexciting, I do have to agree its not the most thrilling hockey I have seen. But I have always followed the belief in hockey that while flashy goals and spectacular saves may draw at the box office. So do wins on the baord and thats what the Phantoms have succeeded at doing a lot this year, they get the job done. If the Hawks were to get anything out of this game and collect the final ex EPL scalp in thier collection for this season they would need to find a way to shut down the offensive arsenal at coach Koulikovs disposal. Nathen Salem, Will Weldon, Ales Padelek, Darius Pilskauskas and Leigh Jamieson would all bring plenty of high level experience and point scoring ability in to this game. 

1st Period

The Hawks would win the opening face off, but they would ultimatly come under pressure first. Eventually the Hawks would fail to deal with this pressure getting stretched out of shape, as the Phantoms found moving the puck around quite easy as the Hawks passive defensive zone play gave them space to do so. 

Then at 1:36 the Phantoms struck as a bad line change from the Hawks lead to an interception at the blue line. Colclough would save off the following shot but could not cover the rebound and during the chaos in front of net Will Weldon was able to stuff home the puck to make it 1-0 Phantoms. 

Looking to answer back the game Redhawks turned to stretch passes from the end of the rink and up. However the Phantoms were looking to cancel this by trappinga nd forcing turn overs in the neutral zone. 

The Hawks looked a little disjointed going forward, with my flat mate noting how the spacing of the players was too bunched up on the puck. No one was looking to exploit space and create openings. However in a stark comparison at 3:41 when the Phantoms went on the Powerplay after Brendan Baird took a 2 minute slashing penalty trying to stop a breakaway chance. The Hawks players spacing was disciplined and despite the Phantoms holding most of the possesion, they couldn't make it work and Colcough was able to save any shot that made it through. 

The neutral zone clogging of the Phantoms was making a gauntlet for the Hawks players to run, regardless of whether going wide or up the middle there was always an active stick or player in the way. Only Ryan Webb, Andreas Siagris and Jacob Ranson were able to be effective at running this. However they would carry so much speed their line mates would find themselves either choked off or facing immediate counters as they were stripped of the puck. 

At the half way point Michael Farn and Ryan Watt would combine for a tip in attempt but Euan King, soon after Siagris would again find a way through the gauntlet, but unlike last week against Romford the small speedster would be muscled off the puck. This turn over would spark another counter attack as the Phantoms took the puck up the wing, Owen Griffifths providing the creative spark that would lead to Nathen Salem feeding a wide open and waiting Ales Padelek who netted the puck to make it 2-0 Phantoms. 

Ryan Watt would seek to claw a goal back soon after breaking in and firing low from the top of the circle, aiming to exploit Kings five hole. But King was faster and made the save. The Period would end with sustained pressure on the Phantoms net, with the Hawks looking more organised and going close on several occasions with Watt, Carr, Webb and Siagris all trying to force opportunities from up close. While the ranged artillery at the Hawks blue line tried to find the right type of screen in front of King but the Phantoms held on. 

2nd Period

The Redhawks would begin the second period looking a lot more organized. While still using a passive defensive strategy focusing more on choking off the puck carriers options than hitting the puck carrier, they would use this method to soak up some early pressure before using the wings this time to break forward

While in the first they Hawks had surrendered the neutral zone this period they began making a claim for the zone themselves. Both sides now faced a gauntlet of sticks and the game became a series of counter attacks off of turn overs. 

On one such attack Hayes Farn and Doughty would find themselves in 3 on 1, but King was just about able to make a spectacular save moving post to post as the Hawks tried to catch the goalie in motion. The Hawks would go agonizingly close around the half way mark as King was forced to stack the pads in dramatic style as Webb got in close with the puck. In the ensuing mele it looked like the puck was net bound 4 times, but no one could get enough lift on the puck to force it over Kings stacked pads. 

The Phantoms had endured nearly a whole period under fire from the Hawks offence, unable to make possession count, as turn over after turn over was forced. And the Hawks found ways to clear the pucks, eventually though Leigh Jamieson and Ales Padelek would find ways to close in and get chances that forced Colclough in to desperation saves. 

The period would end with a disagreement on the ice between Will Weldon and several members of the Hawks bench. Which would earn Weldon a 10+2 penalty to start the third. 

3rd Period

The Redhawks had done half of the job they needed to in the 2nd period. They had held the scoreline to 2-0, not allowing the Phantoms to add to this score. With a power play to start the period the Hawks would have a good chance to claw a goal back. 

However the 4 on 3 power play to start the period was not fruitful. The Hawks moved the puck around but not in a way that drew Phantoms penalty killers out of position, and a lot of shots found themselves blocked. 

Going back to 5 on 5 seemed to create more opportunity for the Hawks, Alex Sampford and Ryan Webb would attempt to create something breaking in with speed Webb would head to the net and look to tip a cross crease pass from Sampford. But again King would smother this. 

At 14:57 A high stick on Andreas Siagris from Jamieson gave the Hawks another Powerplay chance, but again the Hawks could not find a way through the aggressive penalty kill of the Phantoms, despite multiple attempts by Siagris to create something driving the play towards the net. Every attempt at crashing the net would see Hawks players stripped of pucks, and rebounds would fall in places that no Redhawk was standing. 

Having killed off this penalty the Phantoms decided to try and kill off the game, and began to really pressure the Hawks net, looking for a third. But now just like his opposite number in the Phantoms net, Colclough was turning everything he faced away. 

The best chance in the last minutes of the game would go to Aiden Doughty, breaking in off a dump up the wall Doughty found himself with time and space to take a shot that looked goal bound, it had beaten King but rang off the iron and away. Shortly after Ryan Watt would take a tripping penalty trying to stop a Phantoms goal opportunity. 

The Hawks would end the game on the Powerplay looking to break through the wall in the Phantoms net, but nothing the Hawks tried, no wrap around or cross crease pass or point shot could find a way through. And so at the final buzzer the game would end 2-0 to the Phantoms

Post Game

Euan King, would collect the man of the match beers for the Phantoms. And this was well deserved. King stood on his head and soaked up all the pressure put on him, and stole the game for the Phantoms. Other mentions have to go to Ales Padelek and Nathen Salem, who were a constant threat both on and off the puck. The Phantoms came in with a plan and executed it well, they controlled the neutral zone for long periods and that guaranteed victory as Streatham could not find a way to break through the gauntlet of active sticks. 

In the programme, Jeremy Cornish had said the previous weekend saw the exact same team take to the ice, but in games that generated different results. The same was true here, the Hawks had found 6 ways to score the night before but, but this night they were very much on the receiving end of that frustration. Matt Colclough was given the man of the match beers, a sign of how close this game had been. Colclough deserved this as he had done all he could to keep the Hawks in the game. I felt Andreas Siagris deserved this equally, though he failed to score, the Canadian has found a rich vein of form in recent weeks, and tonight was another example of this as he was constantly driving plays and trying to create something. Sadly the poor first period was what cost the Hawks on the night, as with each save Euan King became more and more confident. 

The Redhawks will look to bounce back next weekend, but with a trip to Swindon next on the schedule it may be a tough task. However this team has shown time and time again it can compete with the ex EPL sides, and have beaten the Wildcats once this season already. Sundays game against the Dynamo's represents a better opportunity for the Hawks to bag some points and close the gap with the Raiders and the Bees in the play off chase.   

Swooping In:The Great Rink Robbery

SUNDAY 21ST JANUARY 

NIHL SOUTH 1

STREATHAM REDHAWKS VS LONDON RAIDERS

PRE-GAME

The Redhawk's came in to this game fresh off a battling performance the night before in Telford, where they had lived to coach Cornishes quote of them being a team that never gave up. Sadly it had not been enough and they had been eliminated. The good news was the team would be icing a full bench, with the exception of long term injury victim Adam Wood. Alec Goldstone would be called up to fill the gap in the roster. 

Meanwhile the Raiders came in to the game riding high after breaking a 3 game losing streak, by beating the Bracknell Bee's 6-3. The Raiders would be looking to finish off a 4 point weekend and further close the gap wit the ex EPL pack at the head of the table. 

Both teams have a very similar style, both containing elements that mix both size and speed with skill. Creating a game of tactical chess, as both teams would seek to intercept the stretch passes, board passes and seek to force icing calls against one another. In this situation it would either turn in to a shooting gallery, or a defensive shut down master class, possibly combined with a goal tender stealing his team the game. 

1st Period

The Raiders would begin the game instantly under pressure, as Redhawk's would win the opening face off. The WCW line would slice up the middle to get in an early attempt on net. This would see the beginning of a recurrent theme as the Redhawk's would exploit speed to move the puck out to the neutral zone boards then back in to the middle, to generate offence on the Raiders net. 

The Raiders would soon find a way to answer back, as Lack, Lascenko and Munroe would combine to move the puck around behind the net. But the resultant shot was easily saved by Colclough. Despite this the Raider's were being forced to adopt a siege mentality as they were coming under sustained pressure up the center of the ice. 

Despite a Power-play at 7 minutes, the Raiders tactic of overlapping pass and go moves failed to penetrate the Redhawk's PK. And so the period would end 0-0 .  The Redhawk's would need to find a way to capitalize on having the majority of possession and shot attempts.

2nd Period

The 2nd Period would start much the same way as the 1st. The Raiders would be penned in to their own end looking to break out on the counter attack using their own speed. 

It looked like the Redhawk's had struck first though, after a neutral zone turn over Ryan Webb would speed in behind the Raiders D 2 on 1 with Ryan Watt in support. He would pass cross ice to Watt who's shot was deflected back to him by Gray. Watt seemed to fire home the rebound sending the hoke crowd in to celebrations. However this was short lived as referee Evans would rule this a no goal.

But at 27 minutes the Redhawks would finally break the deadlock. Jamie Hayes would lay a hit on Munroe that spun the Raiders D man out by the boards. Collecting the puck he would feed it round to Michael Farn who's point shot would find Grays five hole to make it 1-0 to the Redhawks. 

The Raiders would attempt to answer back, but the Redhawk's D had begin to choke off the shooting lanes, and most Raiders break ins were being forced wide and in to the corners. Any attempts that did get up the center were dealt with by Colclough. And the D would collapse in to clear the crease of any loose pucks. 

Despite this, Ayliffe, Pitchley, Huska and Lascenko were proving a handful to deal with. Forcing a series of turn overs late in the second to create good chances on Colclough. Trying a combination of the house play off the back of center ice stretch passes. But no one could effectively pull the trigger. 

By this point though, despite the scoreline. Both teams Defenses had found a way to cancel out each others offence. With both sides being forced wide coming over the blue line, and in to the corners. While also doing an excellent job of clearing the creases, with both Gray and Colclough standing on their heads. 

The game would turn slightly ugly though at a questionable hit by J.J Pitchley on Michael Farn by the boards went un called by the referee. In the pause after due to Farn collapsing Ryan Watt would go for Pitchley and get in a few punches during the ensuing scrum. Watt would be called for roughing, while oddly referee Evans continued to baffle after the earlier disallowed goal, by calling what seemed to to be a boarding penalty as a high sticking call. Possibly this was a call to assert control after Watt had tried to dish out his own justice. 

The second would end 1-0 Redhawk's. The game had become a chess game, where both sides were matching each other move for move. Combined with this was a goal tending duel as bot Gray and Colclough worked hard to repel everything being thrown at them. It began to feel like the deciding factor in this game would be a single momentary mistake made by either side

3rd Period

Much like the first the Redhawks would win the opening face off and Michael Farn would rush up ice and force an early face off after Gray saved his shot. Shortly after this Ryan Watt would go it alone going from one side of the ice to the other behind the net, doing a spinorama to release the shot. It looked briefly like it had gone in. But in fact Watt had made the wrong side of the net ripple. 

The Raiders would return fire as Huska and Sylvester combined to rush in and test Colclough, but he would deflect this away and it would be cleared up ice. 

The game of tatcical chess between coaches Cornish and Eastwood would continue after this, with both teams trying to pick up a garbage goal by throwing puck accross the crease area. But no one could either tap it home, or try a forced back hand in front of net. 

Eventually the Raiders would find a way past Colclough's defenses. On the power play, after winning an offensive zone face off the puck would be worked round the cycle to a waiting Pitchley at the point by Andrew Munroe. His shot would fly in to the net and it was 1-1 

The Hawks would almost instantly it seemed return fire, as that quest for a trash goal finally seemed to pay off. The fans in the arena seemed to think it had gone in but once again referee Evans decided that it was no goal and things stayed level. 

The physicality of the game had been slowly ramping up, with both sides feeling that some liberties were being taken by the other. This would all flare up at 52:39 as Jordan Gregory elbowed Brandon Ayliffe, immediately being challenged by Matt Turner, this would turn in to a line brawl drawing in Jacob Ranson and J.J Pitchley. 

The game was poised on a knife edge following this, one mistake would seal victory or defeat. And it was the Hawks that would make that mistake as at 56:39 a momentary lapse by the Hawks D would allow Juraj Huska to break in before laying it back to Ollie Baldock. Acting as the screen Baldock would pass back to Huska who would put it home to make it 2-1 Raiders. 

The Redhawk's would do all they could to equalize, with 48 seconds to go coach Cornish would pull Colclough for the extra man. However the Redhawk's could not maintain control of the puck or offensive zone. The clock would tick down and the game would end 2-1 to the Raiders

POST GAME THOUGHTS

Besides an incredible game of defensive hockey from both sides, what was witnessed tonight was the great rink robbery. As Michael Gray stole the game for the Raiders. And despite J.J Pitchley and Juraj Huska getting their names on the score sheet, it was Grays wall like performance in net that prevented the Red Hawks from running up the scoreboard and won the Raiders the game. Olegs Lascenko, and Juraj Huska could make a claim for MOTM as well, both were offensive dynamo's when they had control of the puck. Huska in particular was deserving of getting the game winning goal as he had seemingly been on a one man mission to make something happen offensively all night. 

The Redhawks played an outstanding defensive game here, and Matt Colclough was a wall in the net. They were able to choke off the shooting lanes, and clean up any trash around the net But will feel robbed by the end result, having out shot the opposition 46-31. It was only 2 mistakes that cost them. That is simply the way it goes in a hockey game where both teams are playing a game of tactical chess that are so evenly matched like this. It was good to see Michael Farn get a goal, as over the last few weeks he has struggled as opposition teams choked off the shooting lanes. Matt Colclough was a strong shout for man of the match as much like Gray he kept the Hawks in this game. Farn would have been another choice for me as he was constantly driving the play from the back all night. Even though they were denied the goal the WCW line(Watt Carr and Webb) were on form tonight and were left frustrated only by an inform Gray 

For the Redhawks it's on to an away day trip to Bracknell. Having beaten the Bee's twice this season, and having seen the Bee's recently fall to the Raiders the Redhawks can fancy their chances because even in defeat against Telford the Hawks showed they can hang in there with the ex EPL sides. The WCW line will like the bigger ice at Bracknell as it will give Ryan Webb more space to exploit his speed. It will be the only game though next weekend for the Hawks and so they will need to deliver in order to keep pace with the 4th and 5th place Raiders and Bees.

Swooping In:In To The Unknown

JANUARY 14TH NIHL CUP STREATHAM REDHAWKS VS TELFORD TIGERS

Pre Game

It was a step in to the unknown for the Telford Tigers, as they made their first ever visit to the High Road. For the quarter finals of the NIHL Challenge Cup. Going in to this game it was going to be a battle of the neutral zone. Having watched Telford play may times over the last few years one tactic I have seen them use to great effectiveness is catching teams on the break after forcing multiple turn overs in the neutral zone. 

The Reedhawks would hope that the rest they had on Saturday, and thus extra energy would allow them to use their speed and pace to break through this. However the absence of Brendan Miles and Adam Wood meant the Hawks would be without some useful size in the corner wars that this kind of neutral zone blockade causes. Telford arrived having lost the night before to Solihull Barons. Also they were down Jack Watkins, but added Scott McKenzie, new import Filip Supa and the experience of Warren Tait. The Redhawks would welcome back Ryan Web and Alec Goldstone to bolster the line up

1st Period

The game started out with both sides probing tentatively, trying to work out the best way to create a break through. The monentum would swing back and forth, with both sides D breaking up the plays with active sticks and a lot of forcing the play in to the corners. The Tigers would get the first PP, after Brendan Baird was called for hooking. The Tigers game plan on the PP was point shot oriented, looking to set up Jonathan Weaver. 

At 9 minutes, the Redhawks got a real chance as they created chaos around the net after a Ryan Watt break in attempt. During this Adam Jones was judged to have charged Watt. Watt took exception to this and the gloves came off. The Hawks would get a PP out of this, but despite plenty of shots on net nothing came of this advantage. 

The Tigers would end the period in the lead, at 17 minutes, the Hawks found themselves trapped in their own end. Unable to clear the puck, Rick Plant and Corey Goodison combined  to cycle the puck to a waiting Jonathan Weaver at the point who fired it high in to the net and it was 1-0 to Telford

2nd Period

The Hawks came in to the second, needing to take hold of the momentum early on, and to find a way through the forest of sticks that Telford had turned the neutral zone in to, while also avoiding the turnover this was forcing out of them. The Hawks started out doing just this as they were able to pin the Tigers in their own end, however again it was very much a case of quantity and not quality as shot after shot was either saved or went wide. 

26 minutes in the Tigers made another neutral zone turn over work for them as Jonathan Weaver made an interception, and found a speeding Jason Silverthorn who fired it past Colclough to make it 2-0.

Following this set back the Redhawks stole the initiative off the next face off and began to threaten Bells net again, and at around 27 mins a shot rang off the post, and landed on the line only to be cleared. However Alex Sampford would find it as the Tigers were attempting to clear. Passing it to James Warman who set up Aidan Doughty, who put it over Bell to make it 2-1. 

With all the momentum the Hawks would now begin a sustained attack on the Tigers net, seeing Ryan Watt go close twice, and Hayes come close as he closed in and went across the front of the crease only to see the puck slip out of the reach of his stick in the melee. Bell and the Tigers D withstood all of this and the period ended 2-1 Telford

3rd Period

The Hawks would begin the 3rd looking to level things up, with Ryan Watt and Michael Farn continuing to lead the charge. Farn would go end to end ringing a shot off Bells blocker early on. The Redhawks speed, and attempts at stretch passes were allowing them break through's early on. 

Eventually this would pay off at  as Watt Webb and Carr, would work the puck in from the neutral zone, Farn would work hard to keep the puck in at the blue line, before making a cross ice pass to Gregory who's slap shot from the point found its way through to the back of the net with help from Ryan Watt along the way. And at 46:38 it was 2-2

The Tigers would answer back with two goals in 1 minute at the 48:15 and 48:51. Warman and Silverthorn would battle for the puck in the corner.Winning the puck the Tigers forward would go across the crease looking for  a shot and drawing Colclough out of position, before being driven behind the net by the Hawks defence. From there Silverthorn would find Rick Plant skating in at the hash marks who would roof it to make it 3-2 Telford. 

In quick fire succesion the Tigers would make it 4-2, as quick passing from Silverthorn and Weaver would allow Brodie Jesson to get in and fire it past Colclough to add to the scoreline.

With more urgency the Hawks continued to attack the Hawks net, but Bell was equal to everything being thrown at him. Andreas Siagris would get off a good chance however it would fly straight in to the logo on Bells chest. Ryan Webb would get several passes in through the crease but no Hawks player could connect in a position to get the puck over the line. 

The Tigers would kill off the game at 55:37 as Warren Tait came up with the puck in a board battle with Doughty. He passed up ice to McKenzie who would skate in and fire at the net, Colclough would make the save but the rebound fell to a waiting Filip Supa who buried it to make it 5-2

After Game Thoughts

Telford came in, and played the game I expected them to, they clogged the neutral zone, and capitalized on the turn over chaos this created. Jason Silverthorn thoroughly deserved the MOTM as he was a constant threat and was involved in 3 of the 5 goals. Another candidate for this to me would be Denis Bell, the Tigers shot stopper had a busy night in net. And was certainly a major factor in why the Tigers only allowed 2 goals on the night. Tigers played a strong game in the back end, clearing the crease of players and puck, and also forcing the majority of break ins to the boards, and forcing the Hawks to play dump and chase. 

This game was a polar opposite to what we saw last week, where the MK Thunder clogged the shooting lanes, the Tigers eased off and allowed the shots in. So the Hawks got quantity. But were sadly missing in quality on a lot of them. However despite the 5 goals the Hawks D played strong in the face of the opposition in parts of the game. As is always the case in hockey it was some small mistakes and lapses that cost them. The PK was especially strong at breaking up the Tigers Power play matching its fast passing, and never getting stretched. It was good to see the Watt Carr and Webb line re-united(or the WCW line as I call them) and Ryan Watt and Adam Carr were two of my choices for MOTM along with Micahel Farn as these 3 were a constant offensive threat. However Matt Colclough, was a deserving winner of this honor. Despite seemingly having a battle with the puck at times as he did do all he could to limit the score line. 

5-2 is not an insurmountable number going in to the second leg, however the odds are against the Hawks going in. The Hawks have the advantage of several players who have experience of the rink in Telford, so hopefully Adam Carr, Ryan Watt and Michael Farn can relay how best to play on the small ice in Telford to the rest of the team. Its a tough weekend ahead for the Redhawks with the away leg in Telford Saturday and then home to face the London Raiders on Sunday, who themselves will be looking to snap a 3 game losing skid that has seen them outscored 19-4 against ex EPL teams.  

Swooping In:Hawks Fly Through Thunder.

First off, sorry I had no blog on the last home game. I got really sick around then so as you can guess blogging was far from on my mind. But I am back, I am healthy now.

JANUARY 6TH STREATHAM VS MILTON KEYNES THUNDER

It looked like a full house at the High Road as The MK Thunder rolled in to town. Both teams had been rested over the festive period. As with their encounter earlier in the season this would be a game of size vs speed. Thunder would be looking to avenge the 4-0 loss they had suffered in MK on December 17th. With a lot of size, this was going to be a physical game. With the likes of Jamie Line and GB U20 player Rio Grinell Parke providing more speed skill and a bit of agitation. This was going to be a tough task. It was made tougher for the Redhawks by the absences of Ben Paynter, who's size could be very useful in this kind of game, also the top line would be missing young stand out Ryan Webb. Forcing coach Cornish to shuffle his lines. 

1st Period

It took 22 seconds for the Thunder to light the lamp, and put the Redhawk's on the back foot early. Pinning the Hawks in early off the opening face off, a defensive mix up as Chris Cooke attempted to clear the puck found Ross Bowers free and able to get it to Tom Carlon, who found an on rushing Jamie Line who would snipe in to the top corner to make it 1-0 Thunder at 00:22 in the first. 

The Redhawks tried to answer back immediately,on a PP gifted to them after Rio Grinell-Parke was called for holding 20 seconds after the go ahead goal. However the Thunder PK frustrated the Redhakw's powerplay, choking off the shooting lanes. This forced Michael Farn to bomb shots in from the point that would go wide or over the bar. Any rebound Tom Annetts gave up was smothered instantly. 

At around the 5 and half minute mark, the physicallity jumped up another notch. off the play there was an incident by the MK bench. Reports from Twitter indicate Rio Grinell-Parke was elbowed. Retaliation followed on the Red Hawks player and a brawl ensued. When it had all settled Brendan Miles and Grant McPherson being singled out for Game Misconducts for fighting. With Milles recieving two additional Match penalties for Abuse Of an Official after his choice words for referee Belfitt. 

2 minutes later the Thunder thought they had the lead, as lose puck at the back door was stuffed home, but as the net had moved the referee judged it no goal. At the 13 minute mark the Hawks got on the board as Alex Sampford fed Jacob Ranson who tried to fire it home, but Tom Annetts deflects the puck to a waiting Joe Allen who stuffed it home to make it 1-1. 

However the Thunder would answer back immediately. As another defensive mix up would see Jamie Line able to get off a shot on the net, the rebound would fall to Rio Grinell-Parke who would apply the finish to make it 1-2 to the visitors. Minutes later the Mboya almost made it 3-1 to the Thunder ringing one off the post. 

The period would end 2-2 however as Alex Whyte was called for boarding the Hawks, however the Hawks would spend 30 seconds playing keep away with the puck. Ryan Watt would feed the puck out of the corner to Michael Farn. Finally with an open lane he would shoot at the net, on the ensuing rebound scramble Aiden Doughty would get the last touch to get it over the line and even things up at 2-2. Following this the Thunder would be assesed a bench minor for abuse of official and so would go on the PK despite a delayed penalty goal. 

2nd Period 

In the second period, it seemed both teams had shaken off the rink rust of the extended Christmas break. Off the faceoff the Hawks managed to apply pressure during the PP. However as in the first period the Hawks Powerplay could not get anything on target, or stuff home any rebounds around the net. This was followed by a long period of open play in the neutral zone as turn over followed turn over. 

At 29:41 the Thunder would take back the lead. A turn over off a broke Ryan Watt play in the MK end would release Harrison Goode, who would shoot, again Rio Grinell Parke was waiting to fire home the rebound and make it 3-2 to the Thunder. 

The rest of the period was a frustrating one for the Hawks, underpinned by a powerplay where Jamie Hayes would miss 3 opportunities to tie the game at the back door. It was the story of the second for the Hawks though. A high quantity of rubber was going to the net, but not much was of quality. This was due to the Thunders big D men moving players out, forcing them wide on the zone entry, then winning the war in the corner. 

3rd Period

The Redhwak's would start the 3rd on the back foot, Michael Farn had been called at 39:44 for checking to the head. He would serve an additional 10 on this and so the Hawks would be minus their first choice point shooter on the PP. 

The Hawks would successfully kill this penalty, and then shortly after would equalize. Despite the thunder having been able to choke off the shooting lanes all night, Jordan Gregory finally found a way to get one through, James Warman had fed the puck to Gregory and his shot took a tip on the way through as Jacob Ranson was given the goal by the officials. 3-3, setting up a tense final 18 minutes

Both sides would spend the last 18 trying to break the deadlock Then a blow to the Hawks as Matt Colclough took a shot right to the face mask, which drew blood. With his night done, it was up to Nate Gregory to step in at 53 minutes and hold the fort. And hold he did turning back everything the Thunder threw at him. Taking us in to overtime. 

Overtime

3 on 3 overtime. In my opinion, the best and worst part of hockey. A game that had been a pendulum on a knife edge all evening just became even ore tense as the next goal would decided things. Redhawks would win the opening face off, however it was the Thunder who would get the first shot on net. Gregory was equal to this though. 

The game would be decided on a PP though, with Ryan Watt steaming in going around everyone Ross Bowers made the decision the only way to stop him was a hook. This was called and so 3 on 3 became 4 on 3. 

A minute later the Red Hawks finally got the PP working as Michael Farn would gather the puck skate in and feed a waiting Aiden Doughty who capped his MOTM performance by roofing it to send the home crowd in to raptures ending it 4-3. 

After Game Thoughts

MK deserved possibly more than a point from this game I feel. They came in and played a brilliant road game, and kept the hakws off of theirs for long periods of play. However physcallity and size often dont win you games in OT as its more about the speed and puck movement. However their PK was very well executed and totally choked off the shooting lanes. 

Tom Carlon deserved his MOTM, a contsnat threat through out, any time he had the puck it looked like he could create something. Special mention as well must go to Rio Grinell-Parke who chipped in 2 goals and was my pick for MOTM personally. 

For the Red Hawks,if it had ended the other way in OT  I wouldn't have said it was unfair that they only got 1 point. The PP really struggled when Michael Farn was neutralized by clogged shooting lanes. However missing an energy player like Ryan Webb who's speed is his greatest asset did not help. And being without your two most physical players in Paynter and later on Miles was no help either. However in terms of a show put on for any new fans who live locally that was a hell of a game. And should hopefully pull some of them back for more. One thing, maybe someone needs to explain the OT rule over the PA before the game, as I had to point this out to several fans who got up to leave at the final buzzer, that there was more to come. Also maybe ask fans not to move during open play.  

Nate Gregory did great replacing Colclough to help his team pick up the win, Jacob Ranson had a great night proving to be a pest with and without the puck and was involved for 2 of the Hawks key goals. But the MOTM was unquestionably Aidan Doughty's after his 2 goal night. 

Next up, following last nights win in Kent over Invicta, its the Cup quarter finals as the Hawks take on the Telford Tigers. This should be an interesting fixture, as a majority of the Tigers teams has never played a competitive game in Streatham before. However Telfords rink is similar in size to Streatham's so both teams could feel at home. Streatham have no league game over the next two weekends. So the Cup will be the sole focus of the squad going in to these 2 games.

Next Game: Sunday 14th V Telford Tigers

Swooping In:YOU WATT YOU WATT YOU WATT!

SUNDAY 3/12/17 

NIHL SOUTH 1 

VS BRACKNELL BEES

The first time the Bracknell Bee's would visit SW16, this season. And it was a game with much riding on it. The Bee's looking to end a 6 game losing skid. With the return of Frankie Bakrlik from suspension, Scott Spearing dressing for the first time after returning from injury and the addition of Carl Thompson the Bee's presented a strong challenge for the Redhawks. However the loss of sniper Shaun Thompson for the night would mean the likes of James Gallazi, Alex Barker and most importantly Bakrlik would need to be on their game offensively.

Also in the Bees favor this evening was the fact they were rested. While the Redhawks had just come off a battle in Basingstoke where they held on to end the Bisons streak as the only ex EPL team to not lose to an original NIHL side. And with that scalp in hand they would fancy their chances against a strong looking Bee's line up.

1st Period

It would be a battle of David Vs Goliath, speed vs strength in this game. The Bee's boasted both size and skill. While the Redhawks would have to exploit their explosive speed to catch the bigger Bee's off balance. They would need to dig deep and find that same form that had seen them win 5 of their last 6, and helped them topple both Basingstoke and Swindon. Off the opening face off however the Bee's took assertive control penning the Hawks in their own end for several minutes. Thompson and Bakrlik routinely gave the Hawks D trouble, Alex Barker proved troublesome to. All forcing a series of desperation save from Matt Colclough. The Hawks D just couldn't get the puck clear and at 3:49 on the clock this lead to a Tripping Penalty  called on Brendan Miles.

However the following Bee's powerplay failed to make any impact, as the Hawks PK turned the Bee's best PP plans to chaos at almost every turn. However the Bee's offense at even strength soon began stretching Matt Colclough, as a pattern of puck movement combined with point shots from Bakrlik and Bendik became apparent. And at around 8 minutes that combined with the Hawks repeatedly thwarted attempts to clear lead to Barker putting the puck down low from the blue line,where Callum Best was waiting to slot it cross ice to a waiting George Norcliffe and despite Colclough trying his best he couldn't reach it in time. 1-0 Bees.

The pendulum of pressure would soon begin to swing in the Hawks favor, as they found a way to put speed and stretch passes to effect in the neutral zone. However the active stick work from both sides made this challenging at times, especially in the neutral zone. But it was working behind the net, something the Hawks have been masters of this season that lead to the equalizer. As Alex Sampford and Ben Paynter combined to win a puck battle and feed an open and waiting Michael Farn who fired in to the opening Alex Mettan had presented him with. 1-1

The rest of the period would see both goalies come under siege as both sides attempted to push ahead. One highlight being Ryan Watt making the entire line of Bee's look immobile as he skated away in to a 1 on 1 with Alex Mettam only for the experienced shot stopper to foil him. Meaning both teams headed to the locker rooms tied at 1-1

2nd Period 

Off the face off the second started much like the first, with the Bee's taking command of possession and pinning the Hawks in their end. But it would be the Hawks who would make offensive pressure pay 3 minutes in at 23:04 as pressure and a flurry of successive shots that were turned away by Mettam and the D lead to Ryan Webb feeding a rebound to Ryan Watt who fire it in to the net to make it 2-1 Redhawks.

This sparked a rash of end to hockey, as the Bee's urgently looked for an equalizer, Bakrlik at one point looked like he might provide that as he skated up with the puck and found a way to cut inside and found a waiting Josh Martin. But again Matt Colclough would frustrate the Bee's offence. The Neutral zone was becoming turnover central at this time, no sooner did one teams player have the puck then he was set upon by the opposition. One such turnover would release Tom Avery on the PP but again Colclough would stand his ground keeping it 2-1.

Eventually though the pressure paid off, unable to make a clearance the Bee's found themselves able to work the puck around the edges on the cycle. Ealey Newman would pass to Jared Lane who found a waiting James Gallazi skating in at the opposite post and like that it was 2-2.

The Bee's wouldn't have long to enjoy being level though, 1 minute later, the Hawks ex EPL trio would combine to put the home side back in front. Michael Farn would find Adam Carr. A pass to Ryan Watt at the half way mark so Watt head off on his own personal impression of Bobby Orr, as he went outside before cutting inside across Mettams crease stuffing it home, flying head over heels in the process. This had many arguing there was contact and it should not stand. But referee Hewitt ruled it was a good goal,and the score now stood at 3-2 Hawks

Jared Lane would benefit from another turn over this time in the Hawks end, a miscue between Sampford and Baird found the Bee's forward in on Colclough.But again the Hawks shot stopper was equal to the challenge. While the Bee's were using a mix of crips pass play and ranged fire, the Hawks had settled on getting in Mettams face repeatedly trying for tic tac tip plays in and around the net. But Mettam would bat these aside or his D would break the play up.

The Hawks would close out the second extending thier lead at the 38 minute mark, a delayed penalty call enabled the Hawks to go to 6 skaters, Farn very intelligently stayed back until his team mates had set up before firing an up ice pass to Alex Sampford, crisp passing to Ryan Watt found the puck back on Sampfords stick who would tuck it home to make it 4-2 Hawks. And once again the Hawks had the hardest lead in hockey. Coach Cornish wold have the whole 2nd intermission to now plan. Would he park the bus or go all out offensive?

3rd Period

The game plan for both going in to the third, was simple. Both needed to score first. Bee's to claw back the momentum, Hawks to kill it off. As with the 1st and 2nd the Bee's would begin by piling the offensive pressure on the Hawks net. The Hawks did themselves no favors by failing repeatedly to clear the zone, or make any connecting passes. The Bee's took control of the neutral zone in the early going. Soon though the lack of a goal and the Hawks frustrations at not being able to break out lead to some chippyness, as Brendan Baird and Barker almost came to blows after Colclough had saved a close shot from Jan Bendik. Soon after the Hawks found an offensive stride again, Andreas Siagris and Aiden Doughty found themselves in 2 on 1 but couldn't convert. Alex Sampford would find himself alone, in on Mettam but again Mettam would make the save. Frustration was really beginning to show, if the hand bags between Alex Barker and Jacob Ranson weren't an indicator. Frankie Bakrlik deciding to try out for the Czech Olympic Javelin team mid period, by launching his stick in to his own bench was a clear sign of this.

With 4 minutes remaining the Bee's would opt to use their time out to regroup. This worked, as off the following face off Bakrlik would work his way up ice, before passing it to Thompson who from down behind the net would find Josh Martin skating in. Taking advantage of the slight gap afforded to him by Colclough and it was 4-3. The Bee's were back in the game it seemed.

With 1:33 left on the clock and seemingly in command of the neutral zone and the game at this point the Bee's gambled. Pulling Mettam for the extra attacker. However the gamble failed. Once again Michael Farn would turn defense in to offence as he released Ryan Webb skating up the near side boards. With explosive speed he would leave all in the dust and shoot in to the empty net to make it 5-3 Hawks

Any lingering hopes the Bee's had of a late comeback took a further blow when at 58 minutes Alex Barker was assessed 2 for tripping. And so the game ended, a 4 point weekend for the Hawks and a further defeat for the Bee's.

Post Game thoughts

This was another incredible game of hockey, real edge of the seat stuff from both sides. The Bee's did look like they could take it at times, but they just seemed to lack that final touch and killer finish on too many of their chances.

Jared Lane took MOTM for the Bee's and I feel that was a deserved choice, along with Alex Barker and Carl Thompson he was a continuous thorn in the Streatham defenses side. Alex Mettam also I think deserved it maybe as despite the 4 goals he let in he stood on his head to keep them in it. Especially when the Hawks where looking to kill the game off. What really cost the Bee's was the loss of the 50/50 battles in the corner, which if you lose those against Streatham in particular is not going to lead to a win. Bee's would have hoped the return of the second highest points scorer in the league would've helped them break the skid. But Bakrlik was pretty much a non factor for most of this game. He came alive to spark the 3rd goal. But for large chunks of the game seemed invisible.

Ryan Watt was fully deserving of the MOTM honors as well for the Hawks. With 2 goals and an assist Watt was spearhead of another resilient performance from the Redhawks. Michael Farn deserved consideration as well, his hard work at the back end both in defending and creating offence was the catalyst to several of the Hawks goals. Matt Colclough's performance in net helped keep the team in contention for the win. And special congrats to Ryan Webb, from his reaction and the celebrations both on and off the ice you could see how much that goal meant to the lad. He's really having a break out season, and his partnership with Ryan Watt is entertaining to watch.

Up next for the Hawks its the local rivals the London Raiders. Another possibility here for a close game. London coming off the back of beating Cardiff Fire 6-1 on Saturday. Then the Hawks return home to another tough test in Basingstoke. The Bison will be looking to exact revenge for the 2-0 loss the Hawks inflicted on them last week. But after a 4 point weekend against ex EPL opposition the Hawks will fancy their chances.

Swooping In:The most difficult lead in hockey.

Sunday 26/11/17

National Cup Group C

With qualification to the next round of the cup sewn up for the Redhawks, the term dead rubber could be given to this game. However as Coach Cornish has said in mid week "this is a team that doesn't take a night off" and with the opposition being The London Raiders, there was the pride of victory in a London derby at stake.

Games between these two teams had been close affairs this season. With the Raiders missing out via the shoot out during their last visit to SW16. Unlike last weeks weakened opposition, the Raiders arrived with a nearly full bench. Only missing Julian Smith and Michael Gray. Once again the Red Hawks would be minus the services of Ryan Watt, his spot being taken by 3rd Generation Redhawk Alec Goldstone.

1st Period

Both teams have been evenly matched this year, and the opening 5 minutes showed this as both sides probed and tested each other defenses. However nothing would give. Raiders net minder Zach Grandy-Smith would turn away repeated ranged Michael Farn efforts and snipes from Andreas Siagris. It was very much run and gun hockey as both sides attempted to match speed and skill with speed and skill. Zonal control was not a thing in this period as the pendulum swung one way then the other in the neutral zone. Olegs Lascenko and Marek Nahlik would combine to generate much of the Raiders offence. However despite gaining the zone, and being allowed to set up, no one could apply the final touch and Matt Colclough was barely tested in any threatening way.

It would be the Redhawk's though who broke the deadlock. Joe Allen working the puck behind the net was able to feed Aiden Doughty, who then found space to skate to the hash marks turn and shoot to fire it home under Smith and it was 1-0 Redhawk's at 7:25 in the 1st(G 19 A 11)

Minutes later the Raiders looked to have a window to get back in the game as James Warman sat for an interference call AT 8:59. But despite the man advantage the Hawks, would find the majority of the offensive pressure as they chose the ultra offensive PK plan. On 3 occasions forcing turn overs at the blue line leading to Ranson,Hayes and Miles all getting 1 on 1's with Smith. Luckilly for the Raiders none found the net.

The Redhawk's offence eventually found a way through though, after sustained pressure from Hayes and Sampford's line, Michael Farn was able to work the puck around to Jamie Hayes. Who found Alex Sampford skating in on support, Sampford potted the puck and it was 2-0 Redhawk's at 15:06(G 7 A 77 A 55) Earlier in the game on a break in Alan Lack and Brendan Miles had almost come to blows. Now possibly seeking to spark something from his team mates Lack challenged Miles off the following face off.

It looked like Lack had gotten the better of his bigger opponent. However when the linesmen jumped in to break things up a bit prematurely the balance of the tilt shifted. Leading to Miles getting the upper hand. Seemingly this did spark the Raiders offence in to life as they began buzzing and crashing the net, working the puck low behind the net. At one point Lascenko found enough space to work down low, and found Turner alone dead center but he could only fire it right at Colclough's chest. The first would end with the Redhaks holding the hardest lead in hockey up by 2.

2nd Period

The Hawks would go in to the second with a choice to make tactically. Go all out and risk conceding or sit back and try to soak up the pressure defending the 2 goals. They chose offence, the second period began with sustained pressure on the Raiders net, but despite the pressure Grandy Smith was equal to everything being thrown at him, and the D were doing a good job killing off the rebounds. While Huska and Nahlik lead the charge when the Raiders were on the offensive. The Redhakws would run in to penalty trouble early in the 2nd though as first Dan Rose was sent to the box for Delay of game, and then James Warman for boarding.

The Raiders would set up for ranged fire on this PP, looking for a rebound and chaos around the net to try and shovel it home. The best chance came when Huska was able to get the puck to Ollie Baldock, with a seemingly wide open back door. But amazingly Colclough manged to get across and close the door on him.

The Raiders would continue to utilize the crash the net approach for the rest of the period, with Alan Lack going close as he rushed down the boards cutting across in to the crease. The best chance the Redhawks would get came at 39 minutes when Joe Allen collected a turn over directly out of the box finding himself in 1 on 1 but unable to convert. And so the second wold end 0-0 with the score still 2-0 to the Hawks

3rd Period

The 3rd period would see Raiders break the shut out in unusual fashion. As Jake Sylvester broke down the win he would be forced wide. Allowing Sean Barry to collect the puck as it came lose, he would attempt a centering pass. Unfortunately for Adam Wood, trying to cover the far side of the net, left open by Colclough, it would bank in off his skate to make it 2-1. This energized the Raiders offence and they began peppering the Hawks net.

Eventually at 51 minutes the Raiders would get a chance to push the advantage and try to get an equalizer as Ben Paynter took a boarding penalty. However far from giving the raiders a chance to pull another one back the Powerplay would gift the Redhawks a return to that 2 goal lead.

Attempting to set up the puck at the blue line, Marek Nahlik would turn the puck over to Andreas Siagris. At first it would seem Siagris was just going to try running down the clock. But the 3 Raiders attempting to steal the puck from the Canadian left Alex Sampford free to skate in 1 on 1 with the puck. Beating Grandy-Smith to make the score 3-1 Redhawks (G 7 A88)

Minutes later it looked like Ryan Webb was going to put the game to bed, skating around everyone on his way to the net, only to lose an edge at the vital final moment. This failure to convert would lead to the Raiders once again clawing one back as Lascenko would intercept an attempted clearance. Crashing the net, with Marek Nahlik crashing in with him. Getting the puck across Colclough's crease to make it 3-2 with 4 minutes on the clock (G 83 A 23)

With minutes to go any hope the Raiders had of a complete come back were ended when John Conolly took a high sticking penalty at 58 minutes. The Redhawks would put the Raiders under sustained pressure trying to kill off the game. And the game would end with a last desperate bid by Nahlik to get the equalizer. First shooting the side netting and then trying to shove the puck home. But it was to no avail and the game ended 3-2 to the Redhwaks.

Post Game thoughts

This was a great hockey game, it had a bit of everything, and was not one sided at all. Man of the match for Raiders went to Callum Burnett. If I am honhest I felt this should have gone to Oleg Lascenko or Marek Nahlik as they were the driving force behind a lot the Raiders best offensive chances.

For the Redhawks, Matt Colclough was very deserving, as he had a solid game in net and realistically but for a freak bounce would have only been down 1 goal on the night. Others of note were Alex Sampford who ran rampant on the offensive for the Hawks. Special mention as well to Ryan Webb who had another strong night, and really deserved a goal.

Next up for the Redhawk's its a 3rd weekend of nothing to do on Saturday. The Hawks will be well rested for the Bracknell Bee's. Sitting 3rd in the table the Bee's will be no push overs, and a returning Frantisek Bakrlik will add more spice to the game. The Redhawk's having turned over Swindon a few weeks ago may fancy their chances in this game, especially with the bees looking to snap a now 6 game losing streak.

Swooping In:Out of Steam

As my main weekly dose of Hockey is going to be at Streatham from now on I have decoded to separate posts on the Redhawks in to a new category. Swooping In will from now on will be the section for posts on the Hawks. While Love Hockey Will Travel will cover games I attend in Basingstoke, Coventry and further afield.

Pre Game Thoughts

So my last trip to Streatham for a dose of hockey had been, against the Invicta Dynamos for a flash point filled bad tempered affair. In that game the Mo's had looked disorganized, and lacking in any strategy. So after seeing that the night before this Mo's side had pulled off the huge upset of beating Bracknell 5-1 I was looking forward to a better game. However the Mo's arrived in SW16 with only 1 and a half lines,mid week the team had lost import Adam Rehak, they would also be without Calum Fowler,Tom Long, Harrison Lillis and Mason Webster.

The short benched Dynamo's team were facing a fresh and rested Redhawks, who though missing Ryan Watt had called up Alec Goldstone from the Junior ranks to take his place in the line up. Invicta would need to dig deep and find something extra, as they had done the night before. 

1st Period

However in the first 12 seconds of the game, that something extra seemed to desert the Dynamo's. As the Redhawks broke in quickly cycling the puck to Michael Farn who would feed Ryan Webb who blasted it home for the opener. 1-0 Redhawks. One criticism that could be levelled at the Dynamo's last visit was the team never regrouped after conceding. Tonight that was different as the Dynamo's regrouped and soon would find themselves on the power play. Focussing on buzzing the net and getting in starting net minder Nate Gregory's space.  While Gregory seemed calm in the face of this, the Redhawks high energy offence, seemed to be throwing Dibble for a loop at the other end. As time after time he seemed to be struggling to see the puck and track his rebounds. Then the games tone took a bit of a shift as Ben Paynter blindsided Seb Downing. In the ensuing melee Paynter and Downing went 1 on 1 while Brendan Miles held Strawson at bay. 

The Dynamo's would convert the following power play, as a well organized unit quickly cycled the puck round. Finally Strawson fed Ryan Morgan who got the puck back to Ondrej Zosiak who would roof the puck over Gregory and tie the game 1-1. But shortly after the Redhawks would pull away again. A neutral zone turn over would lead to Ryan Webb collecting the puck, Andreas Siagris would break in and get a shot off, that was tipped in front by Adam Carr making it 2-1. 

2nd Period

The second period began with the Dynamo's on the back foot as they had 1:21 of PK to play. It looked like the Hawks had punished them within 55 seconds of the start of the period. As Jamie Hayes collected the puck off the cycle at the point and was given space to skate in from low. However it was just a couple of inches wide and wound up ruffling the outside of the net. However despite this the Dynamo's PK looked good and the team seemed to be more focussed and energetic than the Hawks. One bright spot of this was George Hoang who at one point found himself in 1 on 1 but he missed a step and fell. Yet still getting the shot away. 

But despite this new focus, Nate Gregory was withstanding everything the Dynamos could throw at him. Then just after the half way mark the Redhawks won a face off the puck escaped back to Joe Baird at the blue line, who skated in to space and fired towards the net, the puck would take a deflection of a Mo's player on the way in but it made it past Dibble and it was 3-1 Redhawks

In quick succession the Redhawks would look to kill off the game, as it was becoming apparent the short bench and the performance the night before had taken it out of the Dynamo's at this point. As Danny Rose and Alex Sampford combined in a game of tic tac toe, after a lapse in concentration lead to two Mo's defencemen colliding at the point. With only Dibble to defend the net the two passed back and forth drawing him out of place before Sampford fired home 4-1 Redhwaks. The period would end 4-1, with the Redhawks very much in control. 

3rd Period

The 3rd period would begin with a continuation of the Hawks dominance of the game, as Aidan Doughty found a way in from the boards after collecting the puck from Baird. Firing high it again found its way past Dibble and it was 5-1 Streatham. Shortly after this coach Parrish would use his time out,most likely just to get a breather for his exhausted players. Streatham would keep applying the pressure though, and the Dynamo's cause would not be helped by Brandon Webster taking a checking from behind penalty near the 46 minute mark. Though the penalty would be killed, the energy had been drained from the limited number of bodies on the bench as Webster would sit for 10. Eventually another defensive lapse would see Joe Allen fire the puck down low to Siagris who would find Adam Carr alone in the slot area who who put it away for 6-1.

It seemed that the Dynamo's were done at this point, however they still had some fight in them. With the Dynamo's attempting a break in Aiden Doughty would attempt a big hit, however despite knocking down Tom Ralph this was not enough to stop him giving the puck to Louis Colvin who would find Scott Bailey. Who would fire high in to the net beating Gregory to make it 6-2. 

It looked like the possibility of a late fight back would be on, as after successfully killing a penalty Ashley Jackson found himself with the puck upon exiting the penalty box in alone, with support from Bailey. Opting to pass cross ice than shoot Bailey couldn't beat Gregory to generate a 3rd goal. Combined with 2 Dynamo's delay of game penalties in the final minutes of the game meant that would be how it ended. 

Afterthoughts

Brendan Baird would collect man of the match for Streatham, one of many good choices from an overall good team performance. I felt Ryan Webb deserved a look in for this as well, as he not only scored one but generated plenty of offence, and was the one to step up and challenge Webster following the hit on Siagris. Siagris himself was another stand out to me, as whenever he got the puck he seemed to generate chances. But Baird had put in a solid performance at both ends of the ice all night and deserved it. 

John Dibble would get the beers for Invicta. Despite the 6-2 scoreline, John Dibble put in the best performance he could. He frustrated the Hawks offence as long as he could, and gave the Dynamo's a chance to try and claw things back. However in my opinion the whole Dynamo's team deserved the beers purely for putting on a performance that is not reflected in the scoreboard. As they were still doing all they could to generate offence and frustrating the Redhawks own forwards. However they just ran out of steam against the depth of Streatham

Streatham will look to keep the winning streak going next weekend, once again with no game on the Saturday the Redhawks will be well rested as they welcome the London Raiders to SW16. The Raiders should be a tougher opponent for the Redhawks as they have a fuller roster, and will be looking to bounce back from 2 defeats to ex epl sides. Though they did run Swindon very close they were shut out 6-0 by Bison on Sunday night. Having taken the last game in Streatham to a shootout and having taken the points the last time these two teams met the Raiders will be tough opposition.