Romford Buccaneers hard done by against Slough says coach

They edged in front three times in Slough on Saturday, as Brynley Capps (2), Thomas Wilson and Joe Tomalin all netted, only to suffer a 5-4 overtime defeat.

And they were 3-2 up approaching the midway mark of the return at Romford’s Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre on Sunday, thanks to Capps and Luca Pascale (2), before the wheels came off and they ended up beaten by a 9-3 margin.

But Buckman didn’t consider that a true reflection of his squad, who have just five points from nine matches.

“Another learning curve weekend where we can feel hard done by only getting the one point,” he said.

“Saturday in Slough I felt we executed the game plan really well, being a goal up in the game we just couldn’t find the two-goal cushion which I think would’ve seen us see the game out.

“Sunday again it was a close competitive game until midway through the second period.

“Both teams ran into penalty trouble and Slough made theirs count.

That was pretty much the difference over the two games.”

Jets levelled with a powerplay goal, then netted four times in six minutes to go 7-3 up at the 40-minute mark.

And the leaders added two more powerplay goals in the final period, after Sam Austin was given a minor penalty for elbowing and Tomalin was ejected with a major penalty for fighting.

But Buckman felt there was plenty to be positive about ahead of their meeting with second-placed Streatham on Sunday.

“A lot of really big positives to take away,” he added.

“Again this young Buccs teams has shown if they show up and play the way they can they can compete against every team in the league.”