By Matt Johnson
Penalties once again cost Solihull Barons as they were gunned down by Blackburn Hawks.
The Barons conceded three power play goals and racked up 14 penalty minutes in the first period alone as the Hawks eventually ran out 7-1 victors.
But a more disciplined performance in the second and third periods was encouraging as Darren Bellerby’s side showed plenty of promise that will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.
Blackburn started the game strongly and were two up after eight minutes, with Barons paying the price for conceding early penalties as they struggled to get to grips with the home side’s crisp free-flowing passing style.
|
More Barons penalties followed as the Hawks stretched their opponents before hitting a third power play goal to end the period 3-0 to the good.
The Barons came out a different side in the second and had the better of the opening exchanges as Richard Slater and Erik Bakalar stretched the host’s defensive line. But they couldn’t force the puck home and the Hawks capitalised.
Three well-worked goals left Barons staring down the barrel of despair, but ten seconds from the break, Charlie Hammerton reduced the arrears with a fine effort to give them a life line at 6-1.
Barons fought on bravely with attacking intent in the final period, but the home side raised their game and peppered Sam Hewitt’s goal.
Solihull defended stoutly and did well to limit their hosts to a solitary goal.
|
Another defeat to a technically adept side, but a performance that shows that sooner or later, there will be light at the end of the tunnel this season for the Barons.
Man of the Match – Adam Andrews
Goals – Hammerton
Assists - James, Whitehouse
Penalty minutes – Knight (2), Bakalar (2), Thomas (2), E Slater (2), Scialdone (2), O’Brien (2+2), Lee (2) |
