Barons Clip Flyers Wings !

by Gareth Thomson

Sunday night saw the Sheldon Jewellery Centre Solihull Barons continue to build on impressive home form in their quest for the National Ice Hockey League North title.

The Barons welcomed the Fylde Flyers to the Solihull rink for the first time ever but the hospitality only went so far, with the Lancashire side being sent back up the M6 with a 5-2 loss as their only souvenir of their trip to the West-Midlands.

Solihull started the game fairly well, however an impressive performance by Samuel Heyes in the Fylde net limited the Barons advantage at the end of the first period to a solitary goal by Charlie Hammerton. The lead lasted only as long as the first minute of the second which saw a fast starting  Fylde cancel this advantage when a goal by Andrew Clark brought the two sides level.

The Barons kept to their game plan however and three more goals followed in the middle period. The pick of these came in the form of a sweet one-timer through the Fylde defence by Solihull captain Chris Allen.

Coincidental penalties at the end of the second period saw the Solihull side two men down, with Fylde taking the opportunity to cut the deficit back to two goals.

The third period saw only a single goal, the Barons fifth this time from the Rich Slater. Niggled by attention from the Fylde defence for much of the game, the Solihull number 17 in a mesmerising solo effort,  took the puck the length of the ice before burying it in the Flyers net.

Another welcome win then for the Barons and a man of the match performance from Eddie Slater.

"We made it hard for ourselves and their goalie stood on his head in keeping the puck out of the net for much of the game" said the Solihull defenceman, "This was only our second competitive home game of the season and we will only get stronger the more match practice we get".

Barons coach Darren Bellerby was also pleased to get another two points on the table. "It was just what we expected. Fylde are a well-drilled side and it is becoming clear that we need to make sure we do not underestimate anyone in this league".

This Sunday, 7th October, the Barons host title rivals the Deeside Dragons at the Solihull Ice Rink for what will be crucial game for both sides in shaping the rest of the season. A large and passionate crowd is expected so be sure to arrive early for the 6:00 pm face-off.

Goals: Adams, R Slater, Larkin, Allen, Hammerton
Assists: Adams, Knight, Hunt, R Slater, Perks, Crowe
Man of the match : Eddie Slater

The Barons meet the Deeside Dragons on Sunday 7th October at the Hobs Moat Rink The Deeside Dragons, were with the Barons one of the preseason favourites the league and at the start of September gave the Barons their only defeat of the season. Since then they have gone down to a couple of defeats but will be keen to get their season back on track in Solihull. The Barons Boys will however be keen to spoil thier plans. Make sure you make it down to the rink and give the boys your support ! Face-off : 6pm Adults £6 : Concessions £3 Family ticket £16 (2 adults and up to 3 children)