The Invicta Dynamos recorded a narrow 3-2 victory over the Chelmsford Chieftains on Sunday evening in an entertaining tussle.

Goals from Justin Noble, Callum Fowler and Andy Smith saw the hosts claim two vital points in the ENIHL South Division 1 whilst denting the title hopes of their Essex rivals.

In the opening period the Dynamos were first to draw blood and the breakthrough came midway through as Andy Smith’s searching pass from the back found Justin Noble racing down the right channel and the Canadian made a b-line for goal before driving through the five-hole of netminder Ben Clements.

The Chieftains then attempted to restore parity ahead of the break but Danny Hammond drove a slapshot from close right over the target before one strike was ruled out with Andy Moffat having taken a hit to the mask. In the second frame the Dynamos then extended their lead when Callum Fowler prevented a Chelmsford clearance from leaving the offensive zone before sending a wrist shot from the left channel towards the near post.

Ben Clements got his stick behind the effort but it was not enough to prevent the lamp from being lit allowing the hosts to claim a two goal cushion. The visitors would battle back by the buzzer though and they netted two in the space of as many minutes to head into the last level pegging. James Ayling cut the deficit to one, as he redirected Darren Elliott’s drive from out wide on the right, and Danny Hammond’s solo skate from behind the net saw him take advantage of the space afforded to him by the Dynamos’ defence as he slotted in at the near post for 2-2.

It was all to play for going into the last then and the visitors had the chance to surge ahead when Daniel Fudger was controversially awarded a match penalty for boarding Sean Easton. The home side stood firm though and, having killed the five minute long powerplay, they then claimed the game winning goal midway through courtesy of Andy Smith. Tim Smith’s pass from the back sent Ryan Ellis on a 2-on-1 counter up the ice and he steered around the lone defenceman before picking out his captain right in front who held his nerve to fire in for the 3-2 edge.

The final moments then looked to be nervy for the Dynamos as Alex Staples found the left post with a shot from between the faceoff circles but a late penalty on Chelmsford ‘import’ Jakub Klima gifted the hosts the extra man and they held on to possession with the clock winding down to seal an important win.

It was just a second win over the Chieftains for the Dynamos this season then as an excellent team performance saw the home side continue their push for third and set out their stall ahead of the playoffs. Meanwhile the defeat for Chelmsford saw them unable to capitalise on a loss for table topping Romford the night before and still leaves them playing catch up at the top of the ENIHL South.

Man of the match awards on the night went to James Ayling of the Chieftains whilst a strong goaltending display from Andy Moffat against his old side saw him scoop the honours for the Dynamos. From here the team now prepare for a double header weekend that sees them take on Bristol at home on Saturday before a trip to nearby Romford on Sunday.

Picture by David Trevallion