Raiders captain Julian Smith (left) celebrates a goal with Juraj Huska

Smith penalty reduced from spearing to slashing

Romford Raiders boss Mick Cahill revealed his relief after seeing captain Julian Smith avoid a suspension last weekend.

Raiders were 3-1 up against Oxford in their National League Cup tie on Saturday, when Smith clashed with Darren Elliott and it was originally announced he had received a match penalty for spearing from referee Richard Adams.

But the call was reassessed to a 5+game misconduct penalty for slashing after consultation, allowing Smith to ice against Invicta on Sunday.

Cahill said: “Fair play to Oxford. They certainly stretched us at times and although we were always in control, we were never allowed to get complacent.

“Our biggest worry came when it looked as if Jules was being thrown out on a spearing major, which would have seen him suspended for the Invicta game.

“Fortunately common sense prevailed, not least thanks to the ‘victim’, Darren Elliot.

“Darren explained to the officials that he had not been speared and that must have helped them consider their final decision.

“Eventually, we lost Jules on a slashing misconduct and although that meant he was out of the game, he also remained eligible for the following night.”

Raiders eventually skated off 6-1 winners in Oxford, but had to come from behind to beat Invicta back at Rom Valley Way to keep their title charge on track.

Cahill added: “The Invicta game was much closer than it should have been.

“We outshot them better than two-to-one and only a man-of-the-match performance from goalie David Wride prevented a much more decisive margin.”