Raiders visit Hornets

ROMFORD RAIDERS player-coach Danny Marshall expects his side to make it three wins out of four in the English National League this weekend.

Marshall goes up against former teammate Ben Pitchley and his Bracknell Hornets side tonight (Saturday, 6pm), following an 8-2 success over MK Thunder last weekend.

And he said: “I know Ben will have a tight-knit team and he knows his stuff, but I expect nothing less than a win.

“I’m not predicting them to finish in the top three or four and we can’t afford to throw away these types of games. We’ve already slipped up against Cardiff.”

Raiders lost 6-3 in Wales, but Marshall was encouraged by his team’s latest efforts, ahead of their next trip up the M4.

He added: “I was pleased with the way the boys played against Milton Keynes.

“Games like that I’m expecting to win. They [MK} tried hard and had some decent players, but were short of a few others.

“I won’t go easy on any teams and there were some nice goals scored by us. Things are looking better.”

Marshall knows his side will face tougher examinations of their title credentials against the likes of Essex rivals Chelmsford, Invicta and the Isle of Wight, who all lie in wait later this month.

But he said: “Some teams have been together for a while and it takes time to gel, but it’s been nice to have a few easier games to start with.

“Hopefully, by the time we meet the stronger teams in this league, we’ll be ready.”

Swedish defenceman Pierre Wilhelmsson netted his first goals in a Raiders jersey last weekend and has impressed Marshall, who added: “I’m happy with Pierre. The imports have only just come over, but he’s settling in perfect. He’s a great guy and gets on well with the boys.”

But Marshall also stressed any reports of a homecoming for young British defenceman Billy Phillips were wide of the mark.

“It’s in Billy’s interests to stay at Slough. He’s got a spot on a good team in a higher league and needs to get the best out of his hockey,” he said.

“If he goes anywhere, it will be Romford. I’d love to have him back.”

Team owner Ollie Oliver had hoped to arrange a challenge match on home ice on Sunday, but was unable to find any willing takers. Raiders return to Rom Valley Way on Sunday week (October 17), when Cardiff are the visitors.

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