‘Fans will see our attacking quality’

Romford Recorder: Jacob Ranson (left) and team-mates celebrate as London Raiders beat Streatham at Lee Valley (pic: John Scott)Jacob Ranson (left) and team-mates celebrate as London Raiders beat Streatham at Lee Valley (pic: John Scott) (Image: Archant)

London Raiders forward Liam Chong says fans can expect to see a lot more exciting action over the closing weeks of the National League season.

Raiders, with new import signing Jakub Kostelansky finally on board, skated to a 6-3 win over Streatham at Lee Valley on Saturday and looked set for another win in south London the following night as they raced into a 5-0 lead.

But the Redskins clawed their way back level early in the final period and former Raider Jakub Klima eventually settled an 11-goal thriller late on.

Chong netted twice in the 6-5 defeat and had six points in total at the weekend, while Kostelansky opened his account with four goals and three assists.

Chong said: “The game on Saturday was a complete performance by the team. The addition of Jakub helped filter the quality throughout our team and create stability amongst the lines.

“Sunday, we just ran out of steam. The quality we have developed over the last weeks paid dividends and we were at times playing irresistible hockey to watch.

“However after being short benched and still in the process of solidifying our whole team, we lost energy and ultimately focus, which cost us the game against a very hardworking team in the Streatham Redkskins.”

Raiders, now occupying the eighth and final play-off spot, are set to welcome Streatham back to Lee Valley for a third meeting in seven days on Saturday, before heading to rivals Oxford the following night.

Chong added: “Fans will start to see the real attacking quality now that Alan Blyth set out to achieve with his plan.

“The defensive work will develop over time, as will the cohesiveness amongst the players and team.

“This is just the beginning of a new-look Raiders. Fast, skilful, hard-hitting hockey.”