The Romford Raiders book their spot in the NIHL cup final!
Photo Credit: CSW Imagery
The MK Lightning looked in control after taking a 3-0 lead on the night putting them two goals ahead in the tie. However, the Romford Raiders battled back in the game and scored five unanswered goals to secure a cup final spot.
Tjay Anderson spoke on the win saying “it’s always nice to score in a big game like this but all the credit goes to the whole team for putting in a big performance
“It’s always hard to settle in a rink such as Milton Keynes but I thought after we went down 3-0 we didn’t panic and battled back into the game very well”
Photo Credit: Andrew Day
Ethan James had a fantastic game saving 49/52 shots on the night, also taking home the man of the match award.
Match Report:
The Lightning started the game off very strong and took the lead 4:14 into the game with a lovely move from Ross Venus who dragged it past James and fired it into the back of the net.
Then it was Ross Venus who doubled the Lightning’s lead with a low wrist show which sneaked past James and trickled past the line at 10:12.
The Raiders did have plenty of chances of their own with Anderson and Sylvester having many shots saved by Hedley who stood firm in the first period.
End of the first period: Lightning (6) 2-0 (5) Raiders
Four minutes into the second period it would be a hat-trick goal from Ross Venus who received a great pass from Mack Stewart and he buried it high past James.
However the Raiders didn’t give up and got a Powerplay opportunity which they capitalised on with Anderson tipping the puck past Hedley at 31:58.
The Raiders then levelled up the tie with Shaun Miller receiving a lovely pass from Anderson and he fired the puck top shelf, no chance for Hedley at 37:58.
End of the second period: Lightning (7) 3-2 (7) Raiders
It was then a fast start from the Raiders this time and a bit of class from Anderson who dangled past two defensemen before backhanding through Hedley giving the Raiders the lead back in the tie.
Just less than four minutes later it would be the Raiders who then got a two goal lead, Sylvester found some space and roofed the puck past Hedley which sent the Romford fans into elation!
Photo Credit: Andrew Day
The Lightning piled on the pressure in the final ten minutes and got two powerplays of their own but the Raiders did a good job of killing with James making some huge saves.
The Lightning rolled the dice, pulling Hedley for the extra forward but after a big block from Cooper he then flung the puck down the ice and it rolled onto the empty net to secure the comeback victory for the Raiders.
End of the game: Lightning (7) 3-5 (10) Raiders
The Raiders will face either the Sheffield Steeldogs or the Leeds Knights in the final who play their semi final games in the next two weeks.
