Raiders booked their place in the National League Cup final with a memorable win at Milton Keynes.
Having snatched a 5-4 win on home ice in the first leg of their semi-final – thanks to Andrew Shewfelt’s goal nine seconds from time – they travelled for the return leg without suspended import Zach Yokoyama.
And the signs did not look good as the home side – who currently top the league table – quickly overturned the deficit to claim an aggregate lead.
Barely four minutes had been played when Ross Venus opened the scoring, with the same player putting Lightning 2-0 up and ahead on aggregate after 10 minutes.
Venus completed his hat-trick early in the middle session, to leave Raiders 7-5 down overall, but they hit back through Tjay Anderson’s powerplay goal in the 32nd minute.
And Shaun Miller struck before the second break to square the aggregate score once again, heading into the final period.
Anderson’s second goal of the night, just 54 seconds after the restart, restored parity and edged Adam Laishram’s men in front and Jake Sylvester sent the travelling fans wild when netting soon after.
Raiders were outshot 21-8 in the third session, but Ethan James held firm in their net and, when Jordan Hedley was removed for an extra skater, Ashley Jackson fired into the empty home net to complete a 5-3 win – 10-7 on aggregate – to secure a final spot.
Leeds and Sheffield meet in the other semi-final tie, with the two-legged final to take place on dates to be confirmed in the new year.
Anderson said: “It was a good game from everyone. We started off slow but it’s a hard rink to come and settle down in.
“We weathered the storm pretty well. Three down is hard in this rink but the boys brought it back.
“It’s always good to score in games like this, it’s good for the team, good for yourself, makes you feel good. I’ve got to respect my teammates for that, I wouldn’t have scored without them boys.”
Raiders club director Andy Pearson paid tribute to the efforts of the team, saying: “A year ago the team was bottom of the table, six months ago there was no team, and then three down after 30 minutes last night.
“It was never-say-die. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
“I’m so pleased for Laish. It must have been very hard for him to watch, and also only having two imports.
“This ranks up there with the wins over Durham (in 1992-93 season) and Peterborough (2022-23 play-offs) for me.
“Now we need a full rink at every game!”
Raiders return to league action with a trip to second-placed Leeds Knights on Saturday and host a quick return at Romford’s Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre on Sunday (5.15pm).
Anderson added: “They’re a good team, as we know. We play the same way as we do here in Leeds and at home, we’ll beat any team.”
By Lee Power
Sports Editor – Romford Recorder