Coach hails side’s win in Streatham
London Raiders coach Alan Blyth hailed his side for a perfect road game at Streatham on Sunday.
The Lee Valley-based club returned to action after a blank weekend to skate to a 4-2 victory in south London, against an in-form Redskins side who had celebrated a double over leaders Chelmsford and a win on the Isle of Wight.
Chris Douglas produced a man of the match display in goal, making 44 saves on his return to a Raiders uniform, while youngsters Bailey Wootton and Jacob Ranson netted alongside Ricky Deacon and Liam Chong.
Blyth said: “We played for a full 60 minutes. We played a well disciplined game and didn’t allow Streatham to play how they like to play in their own rink.
“We went there with one thing in mind and that was coming away with the two points and that exactly what we did.
“We did not go to play extravagant hockey. As the away team we just went to get the job done.
“It’s up to the home team to please the home crowd and I’m glad that they didn’t have too much to shout about on this visit.”
Raiders were outshot 16-10 in the opening period, but Douglas ensured the scoreline remained blank behind a determined defence.
Streatham opened the scoring through import Sean Scarborough, but Wootton levelled with a stunning through-the-legs finish and Ranson put Raiders ahead on the very next shift.
Deacon made it 3-1 with a stunning solo effort on the powerplay and Chong deflected in a fourth before Scarborough’s late consolation.
Blyth added: “Jack Cooper was a rock at the back as was his defensive partner Matt France.
“Bailey scored a well deserved goal that any forward in this team would have been proud of and Jacob oozed class throughout and was rewarded for his efforts with a goal to his name.
“Deacon scored a great individual goal too after turning the whole Streatham team inside out.
“Chris Douglas was on top form between the pipes for us and adds to the experience to help our younger players. It was a real all-round team effort.”
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