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The Dynamos returned home to Gillingham for a Challenge Cup fixture against Streatham on Sunday. For the home team, this was a dead rubber, with no chance to win the trophy, while Streatham had the opportunity to clinch the title with a regulation victory. The visitors arrived with a 20-man roster, whereas the Dynamos, short-handed due to junior commitments and injuries, had only 12 players. The evening’s officiating crew was led by referee Fraley, assisted by Sweeney and Fraley again. Shepherd was in net for Streatham, while Divall guarded the goal for the Dynamos. With the teams lined up and the puck dropped, the game was underway.
Period 1
The game started with both teams eager to make an impact. The home side opened the scoring early when, at 1:45, Gatenby’s shot bounced off the backboards, and Connolly pounced to squeeze the rebound past Shepherd with a sharp near-post finish, giving the Dynamos a 1-0 lead. Gatenby continued to press, with another shot deflected wide. As the period progressed, Streatham gained control and dominated possession, eventually tying the game at 8:06 when Doughty scored in front, assisted by Lack and Lane. Just over a minute later, at 9:51, Ingoldsby skated past defenders to shoot past Divall, with assistance from Warman, putting Streatham ahead 2-1. The visitors continued to control play, while the Dynamos fought hard to counterattack and limit scoring chances. Divall made a remarkable double save to deny the Streatham forwards, but the period ended with Streatham leading 2-1.
Period 2
The second period saw the Dynamos strike early again. At 20:45, a stray Streatham pass was intercepted by Connolly, who skilfully finished past Shepherd to level the score at 2-2. The game’s first penalty was called against Ranson at 22:48 for hooking, but Streatham couldn’t capitalize on the man advantage. Shortly after, at 25:06, Rose collected a rebound in front and slipped the puck past Divall, assisted by Warman and Pitchley, making it 3-2 in favour of Streatham. Doughty was penalised at 26:15 for interference, followed by Stokes at 28:12 for tripping – neither team managed to score on these power plays, and play returned to 5-on-5. At 32:58, Worthy received a two-minute penalty for boarding. During the resulting power play, Streatham extended their lead at 34:34 when Dix shot from the blue line, assisted by Doughty and Watt, making it 4-2. The Dynamos defended valiantly for the rest of the period, but Streatham remained ahead by two goals as the buzzer sounded.
FACPeriod 3
In the final frame, the Dynamos sought a quick goal, with Pascale and Connolly testing Shepherd, but the visitors effectively sealed the game at 44:58 when Rose scored his second of the night, assisted by Bradley and Pitchley, pushing the lead to 5-2. The Dynamos faced more adversity when Stokes was penalised at 45:58 for tripping, but they held firm. At 49:46, a collision by the boards resulted in coincidental roughing penalties for Gatenby and Lane, keeping the game at 5-on-5. Streatham nearly scored again at 51:43, but the goal was disallowed. At the same time, Ingoldsby received a two-minute penalty for cross-checking, and Dix was penalised at 53:39 for tripping. Despite their efforts, the Dynamos, visibly fatigued, failed to create significant scoring chances. Penalties continued to mount and at 57:54, Pitchley was called for interference, giving the Dynamos another power play, but they couldn’t capitalise. The game concluded with Streatham securing a 5-2 victory and claiming the Challenge Cup.
Despite a shortened bench, the Dynamos played relentlessly, frustrating the visitors at times and showing incredible resilience. Their effort was commendable, and on another night with a full roster, the result may have been very different. Man of the match for Streatham was Warman, while Divall earned recognition for his outstanding performance between the pipes for the Dynamos.
Written by Jon Akers
Photo JD Photography