Another weekend of top-of-the-table clashes are on the slate for the Morley Glass Leeds Knights (7-3-0). As we gear up for another exciting weekend of hockey action, fans can expect two thrilling encounters against the Romford Raiders and Milton Keynes Lightning. This is sure to be a significant test for the side, who are keen to solidify their position in the league standings.
The Next Battle(s)
Both sides we will face in round six of the competition have matched our 14 points to date. With just three points separating seven teams at the moment, even at this early stage, everything is to play for.
Rolling into Romford for the first time in 2024/25, a win would not only open up a gap on the Raiders, who are on a run of seven wins in their last eight, but would represent the 100th win in just over two full campaigns with the current coaching staff.
In a similar vein Adam Laishram has got a real tune out of his side at the start of his player-coach role in RM1 and in Ethan James and Andrew Shrewfelt, who were among the best performers last week there is quality at both ends of the ice.
Undefeated throughout last year against the side from the Sapphire should increase confidence in our ability to pick up points on the road despite this.
The Knights have a history of claiming tight affairs in this tie. An overtime (OT) 4-5 win on the last visit south came thanks to #11 Matt Haywood and another two points were hard-earned (4-6) when the talismanic centre scored and assisted the final two goals of the game in November 2023.
The depth of the Raiders’ roster is perhaps the key difference in results from the early parts and import forward Shaun Miller’s team-leading 18 points is another example of how it is sure to be tested to the fullest. Fresh from back-to-back man-of-match performances #31 Sam Gospel is finding form that always gives sides a game.
Opposite number James saved 92 times over the course of the piece while Shrewfelt claimed a hat-trick as Bees were put to sword 7-2 and the same is likely to be needed again to match your high-scoring blue-and-whites.
The Castle will then play host to the closest rival the Champions have had under the stewardship of coach Aldridge this Sunday night when MK Lightning enter the city fresh on the back of a four-point weekend.
Having been the side directly below us in the past three years it’s clear that the Lightning are well matched as an opponent. Since the start of 2022/23, MK have won 90 of 119 league games in an attempt to keep pace at the top so a convincing 8-3 win at home to Telford was perhaps expected; but a tight OT win up against the Pitbulls highlights a frailty on the road. The Lightning are 2-2 away from home so far in 2024 including the 7-3 defeat we inflicted on opening weekend.
While their roster has talent throughout the lines; the likes of Malique Martelly, Dillon Lawrence, Martin Susters and Ross Venus all available to call on for magic moments, it does appear a West Yorkshire welcome is challenging - the raucous energy of a Leeds crowd leading to five-straight wins on home ice. More of the same would be most welcome as we meet again.
Catch The Action
Don’t miss a minute as the Knights’ season continues; grab a seat at the best home-ice arena in the league as two heavyweights go blow-for-blow this Sunday. Your support makes a huge difference to the boys and they can’t wait to entertain you once again this weekend.
But first… to Romford, we go to put on a show!
