Preview by Peter Ryan / Photos by James Assinder
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Cardiff FireThe Cardiff Fire will look to keep their winning ways going after their 5-3 victory over the Romford Buccaneers last time out. A busy weekend is in store for the side, as they get ready for a doubleheader. First, they travel to take on the Slough Jets on Saturday, before returning home to the Welsh capital on Sunday to face the Solent Devils. The Fire looked to be in fine form heading into the weekend, as every point matters even this early on in the season.
Last time out
As noted, Cardiff are coming off an impressive win over the Buccaneers, in which they produced five goals in an entertaining contest. The Fire got off to a lightning start as Owen Smetham found the goal twice in the opening 10 minutes of the contest. Bohdi James also tallied a goal, while Will Thurlburt bagged himself a brace. Several performances stood out throughout the contest, and what seems exciting is that Cardiff are building something special, traceable to a steadfast foundation in the preseason, with a win over the Swindon Wildcats 2 to now looking lethal in the opening game. This weekend provides a new challenge: back-to-back games home and away. It offers a chance for the Fire to prove they can take it to another level.
Stats
Last game's numbers showed some very exciting elements to Cardiff’s game. A common theme throughout their early campaign has been an ability to create opportunities. Against Romford, the team had eight assists to their name, proving they can provide a creative spark to get the puck in the back of the net. Rhys Smetham has shown outstanding vision and decision-making on the ice, contributing four of the eight assists last weekend. Of course, Ben Scanlan has been a rock in goal, making key saves and stepping up in the right moments. With the players seemingly on top form, it will be very exciting to see how the weekend's two games unfold.
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Solent DevilsThe opposition
On Saturday, Cardiff will take on Slough away from home. Based on the opening results, they look like a dangerous team, having defeated the Devils 5-2 and now top of the table. It could be a very interesting battle this early on in the season. Solent sit fifth with one win and two losses; they will be looking to turn their fortunes around and build momentum for a long season ahead. After their win against Romford, the Devils sit third, and a big weekend performance could go a long way toward establishing them as a top contender this season.
It will be fascinating to see how the two games go this weekend, but one thing is for sure: on Sunday, the Cardiff crowd will be in full voice as league action returns home.
Join us for our opening home game of the new season against Solent Devils on Sunday 27th September at 6:45pm. Click HERE to book your tickets online and beat the queues on the door.
