Raiders forward AJ Smith

Time running out for ice hockey club

Romford Raiders title hopes are now hanging in the balance – as well as their short-term future.

The defending champions were beaten on Rom Valley Way ice by Invicta last weekend and visit the Isle of Wight tomorrow (Saturday), before hosting Cardiff on Sunday (5.15pm).

And the impending closure of the rink, in less than two months, is playing on their minds according to defenceman David Oliver.

He said: “I think the rink closing is definitely an issue. There was a lot of talk about it being the last season at Romford and we all want to go out with a big bang.

“But I think the fact that the rink could be closed at around the time that the play-offs start and the uncertainty that comes with that is playing on some minds.

“At the moment we’ve just not been clicking together as consistently as we should, but I guess we just have to keep grinding on.”

While the search for a temporary rink, or alternative solution to the club becoming homeless, goes on, Raiders must now try to close a two-point gap on leaders Chelmsford, who have a game in hand.

And manager Mick Cahill knows they need favours, adding: “We know that if we are to retain our league championship, we’ll need somebody else to do us a favour.

“Now it’s all about moving straight on to the next challenge and they don’t come much bigger than a trip to the Isle of Wight.

“We started slowly last time we were there but still nearly nicked it, so we’ll be looking to hit the ground running on Saturday.

“We are likely to be short of bodies this weekend through injury and unavoidable work commitments so Danny (Marshall) is putting together the best squad he can from those available.

“It’s not ideal but it sometimes focuses the mind and we’ll be going there in a positive mood.

“Hosting Cardiff on Sunday will also be tough but we’re not contemplating anything other than a home win.”