Devils give Chieftains a scare before narrowly losing out

It was a strong display from the Gosport outfit against last season’s champions.

The visitors were clearly in no mood to let Chelmsford have an easy match as they kept battling back to keep the contest alive.

Devils player coach Alex Murray was pleased with the way his team played.

He felt they were unfortunate to end up with a defeat.

‘The lines are not set in stone,’ said Murray.

‘This early in the season, we are still trying to find what works best.

‘The boys all played really well, and we were unlucky to not come away with at least a point.

‘We switched off for two minutes at the end of the second and it cost us the game, we showed great spirit in the third, and were unlucky not to get the tie.’

It was the hosts who started the match the stronger and they opened the scoring.

Olegs Lascenko got the first goal with just over two minutes of the contest played.

Devils, however, battled on were soon back on level terms.

Some help from brothers Alex and Mitch Murray, enabled Richard Facey to net the equaliser.

At the start of the second period, Kyle Goddard netted an unassisted goal, pushing the visitors into the lead.

Chelmsford then began the effort of fighting back, and half way through the second managed to tie the game once more, through the perseverance of Callum Wells.

Not letting up, Chelmsford took the lead again themselves minutes later.

And they quickly added their fourth goal of the game.

The two goals were scored by Lukas Zatopek and Cameron Bartlett.

Devils held the Chieftains from their goal during the third period.

And they managed to pick up another one for themselves.

Matt Lawday was the man who put the puck in the net.

On Saturday the Devils have another tough fixture when they travel to Invicta Dynamos who won their opening match 11-0 against Bracknell Hornets.

The third away match for Devils at Bracknell on Saturday, October 1.

The Gosport side then host Wightlink Raiders on Sunday, October 2 (7pm).

– STEVE BREEN