Flashy Barons derail Metros

Solihull Barons 5 - 4 Trafford Metros
By Matt Johnson, Barons Press Officer

Andy Ayres struck a winner five minutes from time to give the Barons a first victory of 2012 in a pulsating encounter with Trafford Metros at Hobs Moat Road.

Earlier, goals from Dale White, Richard Slater, Charlie Hammerton and Mike Rodger had given Solihull a commanding 4-2 lead, but the Metro’s drew level as the game neared its conclusion before Ayres’ late clincher.

The match couldn’t have started any better. Just 30 seconds had passed when Luke Thomas’ hammered effort deflected off White and fortuitously bounced into the Trafford net.

The pendulum swung on nine minutes as captain Adam Andrews was handed a match penalty for slashing, leaving his team mates with a five minute powerplay to contend with. Shots reigned down on Sam Hewitt in the Barons goal, but he stood firm until Sean Day steered home an equalizer just seconds before its end.

The second started as electrifyingly as the first. Rodger’s cross was tapped home by Slater after 50 seconds to not only restore the Barons lead, but notch up his 100th career goal, sparking wild celebrations from the HMR faithful.

Five minutes later the Metros were level again after Robyn Crebbin squeezed a shot home from an acute angle – but that didn’t last long. Solihull were firmly in the driving seat and as the period due to a close, a quick fire double courtesy of Hammerton and Rodger made it 4-2 to raise hopes of victory.

The home side looked to be in clear control, but once again they shot themselves in the foot when vice-captain Thomas was ejected from the game for kneeing, resulting in yet another five minute powerplay.

Max Drakeley made the most of the man advantage to bring Trafford back into contention at 4-3 and when they struck again with five minutes remaining it looked as if the Barons had let slip another result from their grasp.

But just EIGHT seconds after the leveller, Ayres was the man of the moment in the right place at the right time to pop up and seal the vital victory.

The win has seen Solihull move to within TWO points of Nottingham Lions in the league standings after their double weekend loss and Coventry ENL Blaze are just a further two adrift, leaving Darren’s side in good spirits heading into a crucial stage of the ENL North season.

Goals: White, R Slater, Hammerton, Rodger, Ayres
Assists: Thomas (2), Rodger, Brindle, Parker, R Slater
Man of the Match: R Slater

The Barons return to the Solihull Ice on the 12th February when they will welcome the Billingham Stars. Until then you can get your hockey fix by joining the team on the away game bus starting this weekend where the team head up to Billingham. Click here for more info on the away game bus..