Cardiff Fire started the 2nd tier league campaign against last seasons play-off champions Invicta Dynamos at Ice Arena Wales last night.
Fire had the perfect start with a goal from debutant Michael Stratford after just 23 seconds with a good shot through a crowd of players. Unfortunately Invicta equalised with an early goal of their own through import Adam Rehak after just 1 min 54 seconds. It didn’t take long for Brad Watchorn to start his fight card with the Fire, firstly trying to go with Bobby Chambalin who turned him down. Mason Webster stepped up as a willing combatant after just 5 mins of play.
The score stayed at 1-1 for over half of the game with Invicta scoring a go ahead goal again through import Adam Rehak after 36 mins mins of play. The 3rd period started quick with both teams cancelling each other out. Fire started to take more risk to try and level the game but it was Invicta that scored again, another goal by Import Rehak. Adam Rehak was to score his 4th of the night with just 30 seconds remaining in the game.
A tough one to take as the game was more level than a 1-4 scoreline would suggest. But Invicta were more match hardened having played in two games before and Fire playing in their first ever game this season. Fire will get the match sharpness over the next few games and will gel more as a team as the new guys settle in. All in all a good first performance even with the harsh scoreline.
Stratford 1+0
Chinn 0+1
S. Smith 0+1
MOM Alex Symonds.
