The last game of 2013 ended in defeat for the Invicta Dynamos as they were narrowly beaten by the Streatham Redskins.

With a large crowd packed into the Silver Blades Ice Bowl in Gillingham expecting to see the home side end the year in style with a victory, the game wasn’t to go The Dynamos way as the visitors spoilt the Xmas party.

Clearly no one had sent the Streatham players the script as they showed more determination to win the game and came out winners in the NIHL South league clash.

It was a scrappy first period in more ways than one as both sides were content to throw a few blows with former Dynamo Jack Tarczycki in the thick of the action for the Redskins, whilst it was another former home favourite, Callum Best, that opened the scoring in the tenth minute.

Both teams failed to light up the rink with goals, but it was still going to prove to be an entertaining game with scuffles breaking out across the ice at regular intervals.

The second period saw Ryan Giles pick up four minutes in penalties after netminder Chris Douglas had taken a cheap shot from Streatham’s Joe Johnston.

With the numerical advantage on a powerplay, Streatham doubled their lead in the 30th minute with Douglas unable to stop a fierce shot from Michal Oravec.

The Dynamos were to come out early for the third period and the fans responded in kind by raising their voices to get behind the team. It paid off just three minutes in with Marek Nahlik driving forward before unleashing a fierce shot into the net.

However, Streatham were to restore their two goal lead jusy ninety seconds later when the impressive Joe Allen turned the puck home.

The Dynamos weren’t to give up though and just a minute later it was back to 3-2 when Danny Hammond rounded off a good move by Dan Fudger, much to the delight of the home support.

Despite pushing forward at every opportunity for an equaliser, the Dynamos just couldn’t see their way past netminder Will Sanderson and the cruelest of blows came with just six seconds on the clock.

A faceoff in the neutral zone saw the puck come the way of Best and with Chris Douglas pulled to give the Dynamos six out on the ice, the former Mos man fired home into an empty net.

The defeat sees the Dynamos end the year third in the league, four points behind leaders Wightlink Raiders and they’ll now have a two week break over the Christmas and New Year period.

They return to action on Saturday 4th January looking for revenge as they head to Streatham for the latest league clash and just 24 hours later the Chelmsford Chieftains come to Kent for a SouthEast Trophy game.

To listen to exclusive interviews with Kevin Parrish and Ryan Giles from after the game, click here: https://soundcloud.com/kent-sports-news

Picture supplied by David Trevallion.