Romford's Tom Davis tries to evade an Invicta rival

Romford Raiders 5 Invicta Dynamos 2

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Romford Raiders showed their strength in depth to defeat Invicta at Rom Valley Way last night.

Player-coach Danny Marshall broke the Dynamos resistance after two tense periods with a superb finish to put Raiders 3-2 ahead in the 48th minute.

And further goals from Shaun Wallis and JJ McGrath sealed victory for Romford, to keep them two points clear of Chelmsford at the top of the ENL Division One table.

Romford, beaten 7-4 in the second leg of their Challenge Cup clash with Isle of Wight on Saturday, dominated the opening period shot count against Invicta.

But despite a 13-3 advantage they could not find a way past ex-Raiders goalie Andy Moffat, with Tom Davis going closest as he smashed a shot against the post.

The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute when Julian Smith’s superb outlet pass found captain Anthony Leone on the left wing and his low shot went under the body of Moffat.

But Invicta hit back when Ryan Ellis won the puck on the boards and picked out Andy Smith at the far post to beat Michael Gray.

Romford regained the lead before the second break, though, with a delayed penalty goal.

Referee Rene Ross signalled a trip on AJ Smith, but Raiders retained possession and when Julian Smith’s shot was blocked, Matt Turner converted at close range.

The final period was less than two minutes old, however, when Callum Best pounced on a loose puck during a goalmouth scramble to get Dynamos back on terms for a second time.

And Romford had to kill off a tripping penalty against AJ Smith before moving ahead for a third time.

Juraj Huska helped the puck on in mid-ice to Marshall, who bamboozled Peter Beerling at the blue line before beating Moffat.

Raiders moved 4-2 up when Wallis sent a speculative shot goalwards from the left boards and saw the puck beat Moffat.

And the home side completed their tally with three and a half minutes left when the third line cycled the puck well in the corners and McGrath netted with a backhand.

Defenceman David Oliver was named man of the match for Raiders, who travel to Cardiff on Saturday needing six more wins to be sure of the title.

Scorers: Marshall 1+1 Leone 1+1 Turner 1 Wallis 1 McGrath 1 Miller 0+2 J Smith 0+2 Huska 0+2 Taylor 0+1 Davis 0+1.

Romford Fury maintained their excellent form in ENL Division Two with a 7-5 win over high-flying Peterborough.

Victory enabled Fury to complete a double over the Islanders, following their recent 4-3 win in Peterborough, and they play host to newly-crowned champions Solent next weekend.