The Wightlink Raiders were beaten 6-2 by the Bracknell Hornets on Saturday evening.

The result ends the side's two-game winning run, and leaves them sixth in the English National League.

The Raiders made the trip to Bracknell in good form, having pulled off a double victory over Chelmsford in their previous two games.

The Hornets, however, had an even more impressive record.  They hadn't lost in seven games, and occupied third place in the table.

Bracknell's home form has been particularly menacing this season, but the Raiders shocked their hosts by taking the lead within the first minute of play.  Alex Murray's goal was cancelled out barely two minutes later, as the Hornets began to settle.

Bracknell briefly took the lead in the second period, but the Raiders were quick to respond;  Stewart Tait (pictured above) levelled the scores at 2-2 after a swift breakaway.

Defenceman Dan Scott was Man of the Match for the Raiders

The game was delicately poised midway through the second, and it was the Hornets who siezed control.

They showed their class with a third goal before the buzzer, and dominated the final period, scoring a further three goals to ensure the points stayed at the Hive.   

The Raiders have a chance to take revenge next Saturday, when the Hornets visit Ryde Arena.

For a full preview of the weekend's ice hockey, listen to Friday Night Sport.  Friday evenings from 1810 on Isle of Wight Radio.

IW Radio: first for Island sport

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Images courtesy of Nicky Craft

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