Coach Blyth hails Kostelansky impact

London Raiders coach Alan Blyth hopes new import Jakub Kostelansky can help his side secure a National League play-off spot.

The Slovakian netted just 34 seconds into his debut against Streatham, to send Raiders on their way to a 6-3 win, and the Redskins are back at Lee Valley tomorrow (Saturday, 5.30pm).

Blyth said: “Jakub made an immediate impact on Saturday, scoring on his first shift.

“He has a cannon of a shot and can skate very well. He links up well with Jacob (Ranson) and Liam (Chong), has great vision and that works well on our special team plays.

“I look forward to seeing him grow over the next few weeks as he reaches full fitness. He is a very likable lad in the dressing room also and has settled in very quickly.”

Raiders are set to visit Oxford on Sunday, looking for revenge after a recent 8-6 loss against the Stars.

Blyth added: “We go into both games full of confidence. We have had a good run lately and are dangerous on the attack.

“Our first line can match any line in the league and will be a real handful for all the teams we face in the run-in.

“We will go to Oxford a completely different proposition to last time. They take penalties as they are a physical team and we have the powerplay unit to punish them.

“We have three lines that will give their all every shift and I cannot ask for more as a coach.”