Report by Peter Ryan / Photos by James Assinder
Join us for our back-to-back home games against Romford Buccaneers on Saturday 7th November and Chelmsford Chieftains on Sunday 8th November. Click HERE to book your tickets online and beat the queues on the door.
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Solent DevilsCardiff Fire vs Solent Devils
Sunday 18th October | Vindico Arena
The Cardiff Fire have kept their winning ways going as they secured a 4-2 victory over the Solent Devils, in front of a 500 strong crowd at the Vindico. Cardiff avenged an early-season home defeat to the English opposition. It was a contest where their attacking prowess was on full display, and the side looks to be in fine form as the season begins to ramp up. The result proved that the Fire aren't just a team that will compete, but that they could be contenders.
The Contest
Cardiff came into the match-up with plenty of momentum after their impressive nine-goal display against Swindon Wildcats 2 a week earlier. It was a cagey opening quarter in the Vindico Arena where new signing Steve Osman scored his first goal for the club, with an assist from Bobby Ragan. Nothing separated the two clubs as the opening 20 ended 1-1. The second period is where Cardiff took control as Rhys Smetham secured himself a brace. The Fireโs final goal came in the closing stages of the second period, where they capitalised on a powerplay when Owen Smetham found the back of the net. The brothers' efforts meant Cardiff headed into the third period with a two-goal advantage. Throughout the final moments of the game, the Devils found a second goal. However, Cardiff held firm to secure a well-deserved victory. Four fantastic goals, and plenty of positives for the home crowd to get excited about; it is fascinating to see what the future holds for this great team.
Stats
As always, the numbers tell a fascinating story. A common theme throughout the Fireโs campaign so far has been their ability to create chances; then, seven assists and outshooting the visitors 53 to 46 continued this trend. They also capitalised on some power plays, showing how clinical they can be once an opportunity arises. Many players stepped up last night; Ragan and the Smetham brothers had excellent showings. Morgan Parsons was consistently effective in goal, making 46 saves. The club has real quality in its ranks.
League Table and Next Up
The win puts Cardiff fifth in the table; in their five games, they have won three and lost two, accumulating nine points and level with the Devils and Streatham Redhawks, who sit third and fourth. In their next contest, the Devils will look to lay down a marker as they travel to league leaders the Chelmsford Chieftains, who currently top the table and are yet to taste defeat this season. It provides the perfect opportunity for Cardiff to cause an upset and to prove they are well within the title fight.
Two fantastic back-to-back wins for Cardiff, and an important victory on Sunday as it was the first time the home crowd tasted victory in the Bay this season. They will look to keep this momentum rolling as they hit the road once again on Saturday.
Players of the Game
The Murray's Players of the Game:
- Cardiff Fire - 92 Steve Osman
- Solent Devils - 88 Josh Martin
Statistics
Click HERE to view the game statistics.
Goal Summary
| Time | Goal | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 15:12 | 92 Steve Osman | 90 Bobby Ragan |
| 21:18 | 12 Rhys Smetham | 72 Owen Smetham, Elis Sheppard |
| 28:29 | 12 Rhys Smetham | 13 Dylan Webb, 33 Aaron Moody |
| 37:56 | 72 Owen Smetham (PP) | 90 Bobby Ragan, 12 Rhys Smetham |
