Raiders moved to within six wins of the English National League South One title after a hard-fought 5-2 defeat of the Invicta Dynamos at Rom Valley Way on Sunday.
Anthony Leone, Matt Turner, Danny Marshall, Shaun Wallis, and JJ McGrath scored for Raiders, while Callum Best and Andy Smith tallied for the visitors.
Raiders dictated much of the play despite being on the backend of a three-games-in-four-nights spell. Thursday’s 1-0 second-leg Essex Cup win over the Chelmsford Chieftains saw Raiders fall short of overturning a 2-5 first-leg deficit, before a short-benched Raiders fell 7-4 on the Isle of Wight, 11-8 on aggregate, in the Raiders Cup on Saturday.
Glen Jackson’s 34-save shutout of the Chieftains marked the first time Raiders have ever blanked their Essex rivals in 110 meetings, and though cup success would have been a welcome addition to the South East Trophy win earlier this season, two points from Sunday’s league fixture with the Dynamos was always of the utmost importance as Raiders chase the league title.
Saturday’s upcoming trip to the Cardiff ENL Devils presents one of the run-ins tougher challenges for Danny Marshall's men, the first of two trips remaining to the Welsh capital for Raiders.
Updated - 21 February 2012 @ 16:31
The second leg of the Essex Cup will take place at Rom Valley Way on Thursday, facing off at 8pm.
With Romford 5-2 down from the first leg in Chelmsford they face a tough ask to win the trophy, and will need as much support as possible.
So make sure you are at Rom Valley Way on Thursday, to see the Raiders try to win their second piece of silverware of the season.
Updated - 13 February 2012 @ 23:41
Because of the current weather problems, the prospect of worsening conditions later today and the potential health and safety (and travelling) issues all of that brings, we have reluctantly had to postpone today’s scheduled ENLS1 match at Romford.
Provided we obtain league sanction, both clubs have agreed the fixture will be rescheduled for Sunday, March 11th.
We are grateful to the Slough Jets ENL organisation for their co-operation.
Updated - 5 February 2012 @ 12:39
As most Raiders fans are probably aware, our game against Streatham on Saturday, will be played at the Redskins new temporary ice rink in Popes Road, Brixton. Any fans who are planning to travel to this game should be aware that parking at the rink is extremely limited, and so you should look to park elsewhere. Please also be aware that the Brixton market will be taking place nearby, making the area even more busy.
For details of places to park around the rink (as well as public transport options) please see the map on the Streatham website. There is more parking to the north of the map, and in the Tesco car park on Acre Lane.
This game will be a learning experience for the Redskins, as well as for us, so hopefully this information will prove useful.
Updated - 5 January 2012 @ 15:00
By Lee Power
Romford Raiders captain Anthony Leone cannot wait to lift the South East Trophy.
Raiders are due to receive the silverware after their Rom Valley Way clash with Essex rivals Chelmsford on Monday (6.30pm).
And Leone is looking forwards to getting his hands on the prize, saying: “I can’t wait, I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’ve thought about it loads of times. I always wanted to be captain at Romford and win things and I hope lots of people come along.
“I’m a bit nervous. You want to be after a positive result and it will be nice to have a lot of people there when you lift it.”
The two sides have met four times already this season, winning twice each, with Chieftains on top in their most recent Essex Cup encounter.
Leone added: “We’ve got a little score to settle after that match and we will all be up for it.
“Hopefully we get a good referee this time! There’s not many games on that night, so we should do.
“We’re coming off a big win in our last game against Invicta (9-3), but all games between the top four are tough.
“They’re good games to be in and to watch and we’re looking to keep our winning record going at home.”
Raiders have won their last 25 matches at Rom Valley Way and Leone wants to lead by example as they bid to extend that excellent streak against their neighbours.
He added: “A few of us had a skate on Tuesday and I went back to the rink on Wednesday.
“I’ve been running and had a bike ride, you’ve got to keep your fitness up.
“The whole team will be training on Thursday and we hope loads of people come along to the game and stays after for some free champagne.
“I hope I don’t have to make a speech, though. I might start crying!”
With thanks to the Romford Recorder.
Updated - 31 December 2011 @ 00:57
The players and management would like to wish all Raiders fans a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year. We thank you all for your support during 2011, and look forward to more of the same in 2012.
Don’t forget that the Raiders are back in action at Rom Valley Way on Monday 2nd January, in our final South East Trophy game, against the Chelmsford Chieftains. Not only is this another exciting Essex derby game, but will also see the trophy being lifted by the Gold & Blue. Please remember this game will face off at 6.30, and not 5.15.
Updated - 20 December 2011 @ 10:27
By Lee Power
Romford Raiders have added experienced British forward Shaun Yardley to their roster.
And player-coach Danny Marshall will be able to unveil the 28-year-old, who skated at Rom Valley Way this week, at the weekend after his registration was cleared by the EIHA late last night (Thursday).
He said: "Shaun looked good in training. He's strong on the puck, good in the corners and very good at passing the puck off.
"He can score, but is very good at setting up plays and is the type of guy who does the simple things right.
"He's a game-player and will definitely be a good addition to the team."
Yardley was recently released by English Premier League side Peterborough Phantoms, after close to a decade of service and more than 400 appearances for the club.
His opportunities had been limited so far this season due to injury, but Yardley - a treble winner in 2009 - was back on the ice to help struggling Phantoms win two games last month, only to be told his services were no longer required soon after.
Marshall moved quickly to snap him up, with Frankie Harvey only recently starting to skate again after knee surgery.
"The window closes on the 12th and I wanted to bring someone in. Other teams have strengthened up a bit and we've been lacking a bit of firepower without Frankie Harvey," added Marshall.
"We don't know exactly when Frankie will be back, but Shaun is very experienced and played EPL for a long time. He's a good guy in the dressing room and gets on with the other players and should do well in this league.
"He will definitely put points up the board."
Updated - 2 December 2011 @ 14:27
The Romford Raiders will once again be making a visiting to Queens Hospital children's ward to hand out Christmas presents. This will take place on Thursday 15th December.
If anyone has any presents they would like to donate, they will all be gratefully received by us, and the children. As we have no home game the weekend before, all presents should be brought to the rink on Saturday, and handed to Anthony at the merchandise desk. We ask that presents are wrapped, and labelled whether it is for a boy or a girl, and the age range it is suitable for.
We thank you for any donations you can make.
Updated - 29 November 2011 @ 14:11
Following the come-from-behind 7-5 win in Chelmsford last night, the Raiders are now South East Trophy winners!
After finding themselves 5-2 down in the second period, the Raiders scored 3 times in 59 seconds to make it 5-5 going into the final 20 minutes, before adding 2 quick goals at the start of the third to seal the win.
Having won all 5 games in the competition so far, it is now not possible for any other team to overtake our points total.
Updated - 20 November 2011 @ 16:11
Please be aware that tomorrows South East Trophy game at Chelmsford will face off at 5.40pm and not 5.45pm as previous advertised.
Tickets for the game will be sold on the ramp to speed up entry when doors open.
Updated - 18 November 2011 @ 20:34