Ice-hockey: Streatham put Romford Buccaneers to the sword to keep up NIHL 1 South title push

Streatham RedHawks secured a vital three points in their quest to unseat NIHL 1 South leaders Slough Jets with a 5-2 win over the visiting Romford Buccaneers on Sunday, writes Christopher Beal.

Buccaneers netminder Sonny Phillips and his defence withstood an early hammering in the opening period as the hosts created chance after chance.

But Luke Brittle broke their resistance on 19 minutes.

Romford responded at 22:16 with Nathan Williams equalising, Elliot Dervish quickly putting them in front.

Streatham had two goals ruled out. Ryan Watt was deemed to have cross-checked a defender and then a pile of bodies prevented anyone being certain the puck had crossed the line.

Phillips did all he could to frustrate the Streatham offence for the opening six minutes of the third but a powerplay gifted Watt the extra space needed to snipe a shot over his shoulder.

Another powerplay at 51:39 allowed Danny Ingoldsby to make it 3-2 and Ziggy Beesley intercepted a Buccaneers’ powerplay to extend their lead. Beesley released Ingoldsby in a one-on-one with former Redhawk Callumn Burnett.

Ingoldsby used Burnett as a screen to fire it by Phillips.

JJ Pitchley put the exclamation mark on the comeback on 55 minutes. He collected a pass from Ingoldsby and fired it across the line.

Streatham coach Ben Paynter said: “We’re a good team, and we’re difficult to defend against – especially when we’re pushing and pushing.

“But in the third period, down by a goal and backs to the wall, We turned it on and got the job done.”

Streatham face Cardiff Fire tomorrow. Face off is at 5.30pm.