Paynter ends suspension blues as he strikes decisive goal in Streatham win

By David Carr

Streatham forward Ben Paynter celebrated his return from suspension last weekend with the game-winning goal as the RedHawks beat Bracknell Bees 5-3 in Berkshire.

The 23-year-old edged Streatham ahead with five minutes remaining after the Bees had come from behind three times.

Streatham’s goals had come from Brendan Baird, Aidan Doughty and Adam Carr, who then scored an empty-netter for his second of the night.

“It was a really good feeling when I saw the puck hit the back of the net,” admitted Paynter, who iced for the Bees between 2013 and 2015.

“I don’t score many goals, so to get a big one like that it’s going to feel good – whoever you’re playing against. I played at Bracknell for a long time and left on good terms, so in the back of your mind you try to be respectful. But in that situation it’s hard not to get excited, and I think my celebration showed how excited I was.”

Streatham needed to bounce back following a disappointing loss to London Raiders and showed big character at a venue they had never won at before.

Paynter sealed his return to action following a suspension picked up against the Bees last month.

“Its always tough not being able to play, whatever the reason but the boys dug deep with a short bench at times and got a couple of really good wins against Invicta and Milton Keynes that were key to us in the league,” he explained.

The sixth-placed RedHawks travel to Swindon on Saturday before facing Raiders again on Sunday.

Paynter said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Streatham so far this year, all the guys are good guys and we have to potential to turn over any team when we play our game.

“The staff around the team cannot do enough for you and the support we get from the fans, home and away, is great. It’s going to be an exciting end to the year and come play-off time we will be right there ready to cause some upsets.”