Result:             15^th March 2008. Peterborough 3 v. M K Storm 4

Storm travelled to a re-invigorated Peterborough looking for 2 points to keep them in with a chance of finishing in the top two.  The size of the task was put in perspective by the Peterborough performance against Romford the week before which was a 2-2 tie. 

The first period started brightly for both teams with some good attacking play matched by equally good defence.  As the period went on the Storm started to look the better side creating some good quality chances which could not quite be converted into goals.  Mboya, Tippet, Carmichael and Carson all went close to opening the scoring but were thwarted by the Peterborough net minder who was playing exceptionally well.  After a spell of sustained pressure with some excellent recycling of the puck the deadlock was broken by Jordan Vincent with a slap shot from the blue line which found the bottom right-hand corner of the net (12.29).   The period ended 1-0.

The second period continued in much the same vein with Storm mostly in–charge of play but with staunch Peterborough defence and net minding thwarting further goals.  After some good build up work Tom Mboya scored a splendid goal to make it 2-0 (25.56).  Peterborough still looked dangerous in attack and some good defending was needed with Russell and Pullar showing calm assurance in a number of dangerous situations.

The final period was full of incident and showed Storm at their best…… and their worst.  Early in the period they consolidated the lead through Carmichael.  Carson carried the puck over the blue line and deep into the right hand corner.  He then put in a fast cross which Carmichael swept in at the far post (32.22).    Storm got a little over ambitious and were caught out when a shot rebounded off the Peterborough shins to create a 3 on 1 which Peterborough converted with a precise shot high in the right hand corner (39.05).  Irritated, but still in a good position Storm then conceded a weak goal straight from the face-off to give Peterborough some hope at 2-3 (39.14).  Storm steadied the ship for 3 minutes but then conceded a well worked goal (42.18) with 3 minutes to play when some simple clearances would have been better than trying to retain possession in their own defensive zone.

At 3-3  Peterborough were now looking for the win and lady luck handed them a golden opportunity as Storm took a penalty at 42.30 to go 4 on 4 and then another (43.00) to be reduced to 3 on 5.  Despite this Storm battled on and looked for the chance to score.  Peterborough came close on several occasions but a combination of luck and committed defending kept Peterborough out.   With the clock ticking away and only a few seconds remaining Storm were on a breakaway charging up the right wing.  Ross Tippet took his chance well and scored with 4 seconds remaining on the clock.  The celebration for the goal showed how much tension there was, and the relief at scoring.  The cardiac condition of the Storm supporters was tested to the limit but fortunately there were no casualties!  The final 4 seconds were negotiated comfortably and the body language of the two teams told the whole story.  Peterborough looked utterly dejected and Storm had the demeanour of men who had been shot at but escaped.

MOM: Nathan Carmichael

Shots: Storm 31, Peterborough 21