Ice-hockey: Streatham show their champion credentials by fighting back to defeat Slough Jets

Streatham kept up their winning form on home ice as they defeated Slough Jets 4-2 at the weekend, writes Christopher Beal.

Fans at the High Road have been treated to some great games of late, and ones between these two clubs have become must-see in the last two seasons. Sunday’s game did not disappoint in this regard.

The first period saw a chess match as coaches Ben Paynter and Lukas Smital set their game plans against each other.

The opening phase saw both sides trying to find a weakness in each other’s game plan. It soon gave way to what many would call controlled aggression as James Warman delivered a big hit that would see both sides trading hit for hit.

While the hits were being thrown both Brett Shepherd in the Streatham net and Nate Gregory in the Jets net, were putting on a goaltending battle. Making big save after big save to keep the score tied at 0-0.

The aggression and tension would build to a series of hits that had both sets of fans demanding justice from referee Blaine Evans. At 19:58 on the clock this would come as Miles would be called for charging. It put the Jets on the PK heading into the second.

The South Londoners trailed 1-0 at the end of the second period due to Jack Goodchild’s goal and then Jacob Soper struck for the visitors with 49:46 on the clock.

Streatham then showed why they are the defending NIHL Division One South champions as they reacted to adversity.

Roman Cathcart fired high over Jets netminder Gregory on 51 minutes to get them on the board.

The equaliser had a fraternal element as Jordan Gregory, the brother of Jets goalie Nate, intercepted the puck at the blue line and buried it to tie the contest after 54 minutes.

A minute later, Jared Lane was hauled down while in on net. The referee ordered a penalty shot which Lane converted.

Luke Brittle wrapped up the scoring on 57 minutes, intercepting a pass and rifling it past Gregory.

Streatham player-coach Paynter said: “We played a really good game, even if we did find ourselves 2-0 down. .

“It is the same old thing – just stick to the game plan and keep chugging away.

“Keep on playing our game and we know that when we do that we’re always going to put ourselves in a good position to win a hockey game.”

Streatham will next be in action on home ice on December 7 when they welcome Cardiff Fire. Before that it is an away double-header as they travel to Romford tomorrow and Milton Keynes on Sunday.