After last weekend’s loss to the Solent Devils, it was finally time for the return of the A420 Derby!
After 5 years, Stars faced Swindon, both teams had to come prepared for the dog fight that it would be. The puck was dropped and Stars started off with fire in their belly, which is exactly what was needed. Swindon were the first to have a chance, however that was quickly followed by a few chances for Stars from Peacock. Covey received two penalties in a short space of time for Stars, one was killed, unfortunately the other was taken advantage of and Wildcats 2 scored their first of the night. The match got rather feisty very quickly, Harrison received a 2+2 penalty and Turner got 2 mins after an incident appeared between the two. Even though short-handed, Stars livened up with shots from McGurk and Wilson. P1 ended 0-1 to the opponents.
The second began with Howe getting a 2 minute after blatantly slashing Tempest. Oxford did take every chance they could on this power play however Clarke-Leach blocked anything that came at him. After many chances from Roche and Tempest, Stars finally equalised with Chiru netting. However, Wildcats 2 took advantage of their next power play to take the lead. Yet their lead did not last long, a few minutes later Beckett scored Stars’ second equaliser of the night. P2 ended 2-2.
The last 20 minutes were vital for both Oxford and Swindon. Wildcats 2 were the first to have a chance in the third with good work from Turner, the chance not taken though as Miller saved the shot. FHM came back with a shot from himself which forced Clarke-Leach into a great save. With 5 minutes to go, the dreading thought of OT was in everyone's mind. But, after a deflected shot from Chiru, the puck landed in Beckett’s pathway and he slotted the puck in the top left hand corner. Stars had taken the lead for the first time that night. Wildcats 2 did everything to try and get their equaliser, pulling their netminder with over a minute left. Yet they failed to get that goal. The match ended 3-2 to the Stars, the A420 was left painted yellow and blue! A win had been coming for a few weeks and I believe we are all glad it was against Swindon!
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