Devils secure first win in style
SOLENT Devils secured their first win of the season with an emphatic victory over Oxford City Stars in this high scoring match.
After the disappointment of recent weeks the hard-work being put in at training finally paid off on Sunday as the Devils secured their first win of the season. This was an big win in which every player played their part. The Devils raced into a commanding four goal lead in the first period, and from that point on always looked like the winning side.
As has been the case in recent matches the Devils started this match at a fast pace, and forced the first penalty in the first minute, this was duly converted into a powerplay goal by Alex Murray. Devils kept up the pressure and were rewarded with a second powerplay in the seventh minute as Drew Campbell fired home from close range. Two goals from Mitch Murray within two minutes wrapped up the first period scoring for the Devils.
After dominating and outshooting their hosts 13-6 in the first period the Devils knew they were likely to face a determined Oxford team in the second period. However, it was to be the Devils who scored first as Josh Abbott extended their lead to five. Oxford finally got on the scoreboard with a powerplay goal of their own in the 26th minute, but this was cancelled out by Andrew Magee’s neat finish in the 30th minute. Oxford added two quick goals in the 37th minute, including a penalty shot goal, but a late goal from Andy Goddard saw the Devils take a commanding 3-7 lead into the final period.
The Devils were determined not to let this victory slip out of their hands and despite matched oxford goal for goal, even adding two extra as the match drew to an end. Oxford opened the scoring this period, but with two minutes the Devils had restored their four goal advantage through Magee’s second of the night. When Oxford scored in the 47th minute, Devils yet again pulled back their advantage as Mitch Murray completed his hat-trick. Oxford appeared to tire in the last ten minutes allowing the Devils to extend their lead with goals from Jamie Fitzpatrick and yet another from Mitch Murray.
Report by Simon Beal
Photo of Mitch Murray by Dave Chapman -
