Raiders scalp Redskins, again

Liam Chong goes on the attack against Streatham, with Jacob Ranson in support (pic: John Scott) (Image: Archant)

London Raiders gave their National League play-off bid a boost with another victory over Streatham last night.

Raiders had skated to a 6-3 success over the Redskins at Lee Valley a week earlier, before losing a return in south London by the odd goal in 11 the following night.

And they completed a quickfire home double over their rivals to give themselves a three-point edge over Cardiff and Oxford in the eighth and final play-off place ahead of their trip to take on the Stars tonight.

Raiders, with captain Tom Davis back in their line-up after a two-match suspension and Vaclav Drabek returning from injury, failed to capitalise on a pair of early powerplay chances in the first period and fell behind when Adam Wood beat James Tanner in the 13th minute.

New London Raiders import Jakub Kostelansky netted twice against Streatham for the third match in succession (pic: John Scott) (Image: Archant)

But they were back on terms two minutes later through Alan Lack and dominated the shot count 17-11 in the first frame.

Jacob Ranson and Streatham’s Steven Fisher were given roughing minors after the two sets of players clashed at the end of the period.

And a delay of game minor against former Raider Jakub Klima gave the home side the chance to take a 2-1 lead on the powerplay, as Davis converted Liam Chong’s pass.

And a slashing call against Redskins defenceman Dominic Hopkins handed Raiders another man advantage, which they took through new Slovakian import Jakub Kostelansky at 23:26.

Stephen Deacon picked up a 10-minute misconduct penalty, on top of a slashing minor, and Chong was binned for high sticks to hand the visitors a 90-second spell of 5-on-3.

And although Raiders survived that shorthanded spell, they conceded soon after as Louis Lockwood cut the gap to one just past the midway mark.

Raiders restored their two-goal advantage before the break as Chong converted on another powerplay, just six seconds into Jack Tarczycki’s hooking penalty.

And more Streathham indiscipline was punished in the final period when Klima was called for tripping and Kostelansky netted his second goal of the night and sixth in three appearances for the club.

Fisher had the final say with a powerplay goal for Redskins in the 53rd minute, after Bailey Wootton was binned for hooking.

But Raiders held on for the points, with Chong named their man of the match after a four-point haul, and they will travel to Oxford this evening looking to further cement their play-off claims after an 8-6 defeat on their previous visit two weeks ago.

Stars looked on course for a shock win at Invicta last night, as they led 3-2 after two periods in Gillingham.

But Dynamos hit back with seven goals in the final session to claim a 9-5 win, with former Raider Frankie Harvey netting twice on the night in a man of the match display.

Scorers, Raiders: Kostelansky* 2 Chong 1+3 Lack 1+1 Davis 1+1 Cooper 0+2 Taylor 0+2.

Redskins: Wood 1+1 Fisher 1 Lockwood 1 Klima* 0+2 Tarczycki 0+1 Best 0+1.

Penalty minutes: Raiders 24 Redskins 14.

Shots on goal: Tanner (Raiders) 35 Sanderson (Redskins) 41.