Andrius Kaminskas netted twice in Romford's win in Cardiff (Tim Bowers)

Cardiff 2 Romford Raiders 4

Romford Raiders defenceman Ryan Giles rushes up ice in Cardiff

Romford Raiders got their National League title campaign back on track with a hard-fought win in the Welsh capital last night.

Smarting from their 7-5 derby defeat in Chelmsford the previous weekend, a fourth successive league loss, they travelled west without JJ McGrath, Grant Taylor and Shaun Wallis.

But the scoreline remained blank until the midway mark when Andrius Kaminskas finally broke the deadlock.

Romford’s lead lasted less than four minutes, though, as Cardiff levelled with a shorthanded effort from Chris Jones.

But they regained the advantage early in the final period through young defenceman Billy Phillips and moved 3-1 up with three minutes remaining through Lithuanian import Kaminskas.

Juraj Huska added a fourth with less than two minutes left on the clock and although the home side struck again with five seconds to go, it could not dampen Romford’s spirit as they returned home with the points.

Victory saw Raiders close the gap on Essex rivals Chelmsford to two points, but they remain in third place four adrift of new leaders Isle of Wight, who skated to an 8-1 win over basement boys Solent.

Romford are due to play host to MK Thunder at Rom Valley Way tonight (5.15pm), as Wight host Cardiff and Chelmsford visit Solent.