Report by Peter Ryan / Photos by Simon Douglass
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.
7 โ 2 
Cardiff FireCardiff Fire at Chelmsford Chieftains
Saturday 31st October | Riverside Ice
The Cardiff Fire suffered a tough 7-2 defeat on their trip to league leaders Chelmsford Chieftains. A closer contest than the scoreline suggests. Both teams gave it their all, but it was the home side that came away with an impressive win. As the season progresses, the two teams will be hunting for impact as the race for silverware is truly underway.
The contest
Cardiff travelled up to Chelmsford looking to keep their winning momentum going after back-to-back victories. It was always going to be a tough task to go up against the league leaders. Each team looked to build momentum in the first period. Cardiff nearly struck in lighting quick fashion, hitting the post within the opening 10 seconds. In the closing moments of the opening 20, Kieran Raynor found the back of the net to give his side the lead. The second period separated the two teams. Chelmsford scored four goals. Rhys Smetham gave the Fire an important goal. He put the puck in the back of the net, with Joe Malfatti and Owen Smetham being credited with the assists. Owen Smetham opened the third period with the goal. Yet, it wasnโt enough as the Chieftains secured the victory with two goals. A disappointing result for Cardiff, but there are plenty of positives to take as the side gears up for a double-header next weekend.
Stats
As always, the numbers tell a fascinating story. The stats prove the matchup was more competitive than it looked at first glance. Penalty minutes were almost even, with Chelmsford having 13 compared to the Fireโs 15. The Smetham brothers and Malfatti put in great displays on the ice, scoring and creating opportunities. In goal, Morgan Parsons put in a full 60-minute shift, making 40 saves. We know that when on the attacking front foot, Cardiff can be lethal. There will be a bounce-back next time out.
League position and next time out
The Fire sit fifth in the NIHL 1 league table; out of their six displays, they have come away with three wins and three losses, amassing nine points. They have scored 25 goals and conceded 35. After the weekend's result, the Fire will be on the hunt for redemption. The side will be gearing up for an exciting double header in the Welsh capital. They will welcome the Romford Buccaneers on Saturday, and then prepare for a rematch with the Chelmsford Chieftains on Sunday; itโs set to be a cracker.
The result was a tale of the Fireโs fortune, now all attention will turn to two massive games. Next weekend will be special; the crowd will be loud, and the players will take to the ice with steadfast passion. Two exciting contests are coming up.
Players of the Game
- Chelmsford Chieftains - 20 Brandon Stones
- Cardiff Fire - 83 Robert Price
Statistics
Click HERE to view the game statistics.
Goal Summary
| Time | Goal | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 29:30 | 12 Rhys Smetham | 14 Joe Malfatti, 72 Owen Smetham |
| 40:39 | 72 Owen Smetham | 12 Rhys Smetham, 14 Joe Malfatti |
Photo Gallery
