Ice-hockey: Depleted Streatham cope with suspended players as they record back-to-back victories
Streatham were severely short benched with Josh Ealey Newman, JJ Pitchley and Brandon Miles all sitting out between four to six-game suspensions for the brawl the previous weekend against Invicta Dynamos.
Nate Gregory has been suspended for 12 games for his role and Josh Martin has been hit with a 20-game suspension for the check from behind in the opening minutes of that game.
Streatham defeated fellow league title contenders Slough Jets 5-2 on Saturday with Callum Burnett, Luke Brittle (two) and Ben Paynter netting the goals.
Streatham broke the deadlock after 38 minutes against Devils. Jack Hoppes’ shot was redirected by Jared Lane into the net.
Five minutes into the third period it was 2-0 from Ziggy Beesley’s deflected shot, Jordan Gregory collecting the additional assist.
Ben Ealey-Newman wrapped up the scoring.
Streatham coach Ben Paynter said: “I’m pleased – that’s a big win.
“Good teams face adversity to win trophies and we’re on our way towards our goal of winning the league.
“We are short but we have depth and some of the depth guys are getting it done for us.
“The first goal was caused by Harvey Briggs working hard on the forecheck. From there we went to work. We’ll just plug away game by game as we go. It was a tough weekend, but I’m extremely pleased with how we performed.”
The game result decided who Streatham play next weekend in the semi-finals of the Southern Challenge Cup.
Streatham face Invicta Dynamos. The away leg is tomorrow and and the home leg on Sunday (6.45pm).
PICTURES: MEL O’BRIEN/FUSIONAL
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
