Raiders defenceman Sean Barry felt they deserved their latest National League victory over Peterborough on Sunday.
Barry netted the decisive goal in a 4-3 success at Romford's Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre, as Raiders made it four home wins on the spin so far in the fledgling 2024-25 season.
And he was pleased to see them claim the points after another hard-fought contest with the Phantoms - with whom they split a home-and-away series during pre-season.
"It was a very tough game against a short-benched Peterborough team, who didn’t give up," said Barry.
"I felt like we were the better team across the 60 minutes but we couldn’t put the puck in the net.
"We were all getting frustrated but we stuck to the game plan and come out as winners."
Player-coach Adam Laishram put Raiders ahead after just 65 seconds, but the visitors got back on level terms through Brad Bowering later in the first period.
Cameron Hough gave Peterborough a lead early in the middle session, with the scoreline remaining unchanged until the opening stages of the final stanza.
Brandon Ayliffe squared matters for the home side, with import Andrew Shewfelt putting Raiders 3-2 up just 39 seconds later.
And Barry got the final touch to claim the fourth in the 46th minute, giving Raiders some breathing space.
"[Hayden] Lavigne is a very good netminder and we knew we had to get bodies to the net," added Barry.
"So we caused a bit of traffic around the net, Tjay [Anderson] shot the puck and I managed to tip it on its way in."
Janne Laakkonen grabbed late third for Phantoms to set up a tense finale, but Raiders held on for the win and head west to take on Bristol Pitbulls on Saturday, before hosting Hull Seahawks on Sunday.
"Bristol got their first win against a very good Sheffield side so they will be full of confidence," warned Barry.
"Hull have made some great signings and just signed a very good import from Manchester [Johnny Corneil] so that will be a tough game and they are yet to lose a game.
"I look forward to seeing you all at the Sapphire on Sunday!"
Hull beat Bristol twice on the opening weekend of the season (11-4 and 9-1), then toppled Telford (8-4) at home last Saturday and claimed a penalty-shot win in Solway the following night.
And four successive wins so far this season leaves them top of the table above Leeds on goal difference, as Raiders sit fifth with four points from three outings.
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