Preview by Peter Ryan / Photos by James Assinder & Emma Williams
β 
Solent DevilsCardiff Fire vs Solent Devils
Sunday 18th October | Vindico Arena
The Cardiff Fire will be looking to back up a sensational performance after last Sundayβs 9-4 victory over the Swindon Wildcats 2. Heart and determination were on full display as the team bounced back after a disappointing weekend two weeks before that monumental victory. However, this season moves at a rapid pace, and they will now turn their attention to a home clash against the Solent Devils. It has all the makings of a phenomenal contest, as the Fire will be looking for revenge after a defeat on home ground earlier this season.
Last time out
Cardiff produced a sensational attacking display against Swindon; it didn't take long for them to get going after goals from Owen and Rhys Smetham found the back of the net to give Cardiff the opening goals. Will Thulbert and Alfie Stone also scored, providing an end to a back-and-forth opening 20. Both teams attacked with fierce intensity. The second period saw Cardiff take control of the contest as Rhys Smetham found his second of the game. Along with this, captain Craig Thurston produced two goals to really put some breathing room and distance between the sides. Owen Smetham and Joe Malfatti put the puck in the net to complete Cardiff's tally of nine as well as closing out an important victory. The Fire will now head into the weekend full of confidence, as they look to give the home crowd their first league victory of the season.
The numbers
Of course, it was an amazing victory that showed how dangerous Cardiff can be when on the front foot. Yet, beneath that lies something very encouraging. The stats prove just how good the Fire performed. They created opportunities exceptionally well, producing 16 assists over the course of the game and challenging the goaltender with 48 shots on goal. Morgan Parsons had a sensational game as goaltender himself, producing a stellar shot-blocking display. Cardiff will now look to carry those positives into the matchup against the Devils.
The opposition
Solent are an experienced team that you know how to get the job done on the rink. They head into the weekend ready to go back-to-back; before travelling to Cardiff, they will take on the Romford Buccaneers. The Devils have already proven that they can beat the Fire in the Welsh Capital. Following a tight, cagey 5-2 victory in September, the scoreline didn't reflect how the contest played out. Both teams will look to prove they are better, and it promises to be a fascinating contest on Sunday.
There is nothing like a home clash in Cardiff; the crowd will be loud, and the Fire will look to produce a great result to reward the support. It will be a special day for new signings Steve Osman and Bobby Ragan because itβs the first time they will hear the roar of the Fire crowd. Sunday evening is going to be magical.
Join us for our next home game against Solent Devils on Sunday 18th October at 6:45pm. Click HERE to book your tickets online and beat the queues on the door.
