The weekend started with the Raiders traveling to Slough to battle against fellow playoff push contenders, the Bees.
This game had lots at stake, and two points would prove crucial for both sides in the chase for the final playoff spots.
The game begun with strong intentions from both teams that this game was crucial for their season to be extending. After the end-to-end start Jake Sylvester had the best chance for Raiders until Dominik Gabaj attempted a wrap-around hitting the post. It was the Raiders who struck first through Tjay Anderson after Bees made a mistake in their zone causing them to be punished.
The Bees had two power plays at the end of the period but to no avail as Ethan James was standing tall.
After Raiders took the one goal lead into the second period Bees came out with renewed vigour and grit creating multiple chances, in which Dominik Gabaj opened their scoring on the evening after a Raiders mistake behind the net. The Bees then scored three quick goals through Marcel Balaz, Liam Morris and Will Stead to end the period demoralising the Raiders as it now gave them an uphill task for the final period.
Raiders had to come back out with purpose in the third to try and get something from the game. Bees were making it difficult for the Raiders as their defence was stopping everything including netminder Brython Preece.
Eventually, Raiders found the net through Jesper Eriksson after a slick toe drag and finish. With little time left on the clock Raiders Zack Milton was called for high sticks which allowed Bees to see out the remaining time with the man advantage, relieving the serious pressure Raiders were exerting.
Man of the match awards went to Raiders Ethan James for some quality saves and Bees Liam Morris.
Raiders Scoring: Tjay Anderson 1+0, Jesper Eriksson 1+0, Mikey Power 0+1, George Norcliffe 0+1.
Bees Scoring: Marcel Balaz 1+1, Ed Bradley 0+2, Will Stead 1+0, Dominik Gabaj 1+0, Liam Morris 1+0, Oliver Knaggs 0+1, Brendan Baird 0+1.
