Romford Buccaneers coach hails derby win as turning point

Having lost their first five games of the season, including a 5-1 home reverse against the Chieftains a week earlier, Buccaneers skated to a 6-2 victory at the Riverside Ice Arena on Sunday.

Brynley Capps put them in front after just 37 seconds and, after Courtney Grant’s second-period goal was answered by Oleksandr Maltsev, struck twice in 24 seconds to complete his hat-trick and make it 4-1.

Donald Campbell widened the gap in the final minute of the middle session and, after Cameron Bartlett’s reply, a late shorthanded goal Joe Tomalin completed a fine display after the previous night’s home loss to Invicta.

“It was fantastic to see the guys respond and they didn’t drop their heads going into the derby on Sunday, playing with confidence and belief to win in Chelmsford,” said Buckman.

“I feel the guys are really buying into how to play and be competitive this year, both games showed that and can only be a good thing moving forward watching this team.”

Buccaneers had looked on course for success against the Dynamos at the Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre on Saturday.

Luca Pascale’s early powerplay goal put them ahead, before Brandon Chard and Stanislav Lascek replied either side of the first break.

Capps then netted twice and set up captain Tom Wilson to make it 4-2 at the second interval, before completing his treble with a shorthanded effort at the start of the final period.

But Tommy Huggett and Tom Soar struck 28 seconds apart to cut the gap to one and Owen Dell’s powerplay goal squared matters.

Greg McAllan then put Invicta in front with 9.26 to play and Soar’s empty-net goal sealed a 7-5 win for the visitors.

“Saturday was disappointing to lose in the end but after being 5-2 up and controlling large parts of the game I felt we deserved something from the game,” added Buckman.

“A few unnecessary calls from the referee really put us up against it in the third, instead of letting the teams battle it out for the points.

“Brynley had a great weekend, with six goals and three assists, and the chemistry on his line is really coming together with Joe and Luca.”

Buccaneers now face a blank weekend, before returning to action with a home game against Oxford City Stars on Sunday week (October 15, 5.15pm).