Spring Cup Week 4 Match Previews
By Lauryn Fuller
Fri Mar-05 Raiders v Bees
Match Preview -
The first of this weekend’s hockey fixtures, sees the Raiders take on the Bee’s this Friday Evening in the first of three fixtures. This will be the only fixture for the Raiders, who will get the rest of the weekend off to prepare for their game week five fixtures against the Swindon Wildcats.
Both of these teams are holding the bottom spaces of the table going into this weekend. However, this could change depending on results of this fixture. The Bees currently have one point from an overtime match against the Wildcats.
The Bees have scored eight goals in four game, with the raiders only beating that by scoring nine in four games. Both of these teams have conceded a fair number of goals so far, which has ultimately been a struggle for both teams. Therefore, Friday’s fixture could be a turning point for one of these teams.
Last seasons the Raiders and the Bee’s met eight times in the NIHL, with the Raiders coming out with 6 victories. One of the meeting between these sides saw an exceptionally hefty score line. A home fixture for the Bees in Bracknell saw them get 11 goals to the Raiders four. It would be a very memorable evening if the Bees could replicate that score once again.
Sat Mar-06 Swindon v Telford 15:00
Match Preview -
Saturdays first fixture sees the meeting of two teams that have had a fantastic star to the Spring Cup. Both teams are yet to lose a game so far, adding to the pressure of this fixture.
The Swindon Wildcats have had an extra weekend to prepare for these games, whereas the Tigers faced the Bee’s and completed another four-point weekend.
These two teams have had a stella start to the series. They have both scored 15 goals in all of their games. This fixture will be vital for both teams to be able to push for the top spot. They will be closely looking at the results of the Steeldogs game, who are the other team that will be in this race.
The 2019/20 season saw these teams met three times, with the Telford Tigers sweeping the series with three victories. The final scores were close in all of the fixtures, with the Wildcats always being within two goals.
As we all know by now, these two team will face each other again on Sunday, in the second fixture of the series. Depending who comes out on top on Saturday, it gives the other team the opportunity to get some points back.
Sat Mar-06 Sheffield v Bees 18:30
Match Preview -
Sheffield have been an unstoppable team so far in this spring series. They have many players within their roster that have been the key to their success, and everyone will be eager to see if they will continue on this superb run.
The bees will be looking to halt the Steeldogs in their tracks. They have come close this series to overturning some score lines but are yet to find their first win. It could be a strenuous weekend for the Bees as they will be playing three fixtures instead of the normal two, a possible advantage to the Steeldogs.
The last time these two teams met was back on March 8th, 2020, two days short of a full year. The game finished 7-1 to the Bees, which was their first and only victory over the Steeldogs. The Bees pulled out of a fixture on the 15th March last year and the win was automatically given to the Steeldogs. This was just the beginning of the end of the season.
It would be very impressive if the Bees were to stop the Steeldogs in their dominants this series. It will be important for the Bees defence to stop the number of terrific forward players the Steeldogs have on offer. Especially Liam Kirk, who has racked up eight goals in four games played for the Dogs.
All eyes will be on the Steeldogs to see if they can continue on this dominance, or if the Bees can produce the upset of the series so far. They will play each other again on Sunday, to provide us with some more thrilling hockey.