Match Report
Invicta Dynamos 0 v 7 Streatham Redhawks
League, Sunday 12th October
The Dynamos hosted the Streatham Redhawks at Gillingham for the first time this season in a match that counted toward both league and cup standings. The Redhawks arrived with a 19-man roster, while the home side iced 18 players. The officiating team was led by referee Evans, assisted by Hill and Myrsikov. Starting in goal for the visitors was Milton, with Windebank guarding the net for the Dynamos. With teams ready and aligned, the puck was about to drop, and the game was underway.
Period 1
The first period opened with both teams eager to establish early control. The Redhawks appeared more likely to break the deadlock, creating pressure with strong defensive efforts and some key saves from Windebank, keeping the game scoreless. The Dynamos gradually found their footing, applying pressure through effective forechecking that challenged the visitors’ defence and created chances for Connolly, Scott, and Prentice. Despite this increased effort, Streatham struck first at 5:06, when Watt redirected a shot past Windebank, assisted by Warman and Stead. The visitors continued to dominate possession, with the Dynamos struggling to generate meaningful attacks.
The home side was awarded their first penalty at 14:17 when O’Neill received a two-minute minor for slashing. During the power play, the Dynamos came close to levelling the score as Connolly and Ranson both fired shots that were skilfully saved by Milton. The penalty expired, and play returned to five-on-five. The period ended with no further scoring, leaving Streatham ahead 1-0.
Period 2
The second period began with the Dynamos looking to turn the tide. At 21:25, E. Lane was penalised for roughing, giving the Mos an opportunity on the power play. However, the home team failed to capitalise, and Streatham quickly killed the penalty. Shortly after, at 23:35, the visitors extended their lead when Doughty scored, assisted by Ingoldsby and Cathcart, making it 2-0. Streatham continued to press their advantage, with shots from Warman and Ingoldsby well saved by Windebank.
The Dynamos responded with efforts from Vigar and Thune, testing Milton in the visitors’ net, but the Redhawks maintained control. Their persistence paid off when Waller fired a shot across Windebank’s crease at 37:35, assisted by Doughty and Brittle, to make it 3-0. The visitors soon added a fourth at 39:14, with Beesley tipping in a shot assisted by Gregory and Warman. The period closed with the Dynamos facing a significant deficit and much work needed to mount a comeback.
Period 3
The third period started with a spirited attempt by the home side to generate momentum. At 40:04, Paynter and Connolly dropped the gloves, each earning five-minute fighting majors. Moments later, Lillis and Watt exchanged words, nearly sparking another fight, but the altercation was avoided, and play resumed.
The Dynamos’ effort to apply pressure was halted when, at 43:14, Gatenby was penalised for high sticks, followed quickly at 43:18 by Tombs for delay of game, resulting in a 5-on-3 advantage for Streatham. Despite this, the Dynamos’ penalty kill held firm. The visitors continued to press, and at 49:29, Doughty scored again, assisted by Watt and Colvin, making it 5-0. The Redhawks extended their lead at 50:34, when Antonov fired home unassisted, prompting the Dynamos to replace Windebank with Divall in goal.
The visitors added a seventh goal at 52:28, with Pitchley scoring unassisted. Both teams then received minor penalties: Scott for cross-checking at 53:36 and Brittle for slashing at 53:47. As the game wound down, Streatham secured a 7-0 victory.
A disappointing night for the Dynamos, who struggled to find their rhythm and challenge the visitors’ solid defence throughout the game. Man of the Match for the visitors was Milton, while the hardworking Prentice stood out for the Dynamos.
Written by Jon Akers