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Invicta Dynamos secure wins against Oxford City Stars and Chelmsford Chieftains; away games against Romford Junior Raiders and Milton Keynes Thunder this weekend

05:00, 27 January 2023

Invicta Dynamos’ impressive start to 2023 hasn’t come as a surprise to their head coach Karl Lennon.

A four-point weekend lifted the Mos up to fourth place in the NIHL South Division 1 table - leapfrogging Chelmsford Chieftains after beating them 6-3 in Essex.

Tom Long (left) and Aaron Strawson (right) stop the Oxford attack as Invicta Dynamos win convincingly Picture: David Trevallion
Tom Long (left) and Aaron Strawson (right) stop the Oxford attack as Invicta Dynamos win convincingly Picture: David Trevallion

Sunday’s win followed a 4-0 home crushing of the Oxford City Stars on Saturday.

Having a full-strength squad to choose from has been vital, according to the coach.

Lennon said: “Leading up to Christmas, getting those bodies back, Ruskin Springer-Hughes and Tom Soar, helped massively, giving us some depth and competition in the team. They are valuable additions to a squad that was already playing reasonably well.

Invicta Dynamos captain Tom Davis looks on as Owen Rider secures his first senior shutout Picture: David Trevallion
Invicta Dynamos captain Tom Davis looks on as Owen Rider secures his first senior shutout Picture: David Trevallion

“There were a couple of narrow losses here or there and when you have a bit of depth and a bit more quality you can change some of those results ever so slightly when you have chances. We always knew we had that in us but it was about getting it out and over the line. We have been able to do it.

“Since Christmas the focus and determination from the lads has been second to none and they are getting their rewards for the hard work.”

They face back-to-back away games in the league this weekend.

A trip to the Romford Junior Raiders on Saturday is followed at bottom side Milton Keynes Thunder on Sunday.

Tom Soar, Harrison Lillis and Stanislav Lascek thwart the Oxford attack for Invicta Dynamos Picture: David Trevallion
Tom Soar, Harrison Lillis and Stanislav Lascek thwart the Oxford attack for Invicta Dynamos Picture: David Trevallion

Lennon is hoping his side can improve on their last visit to Romford.

He said: “We lost the last time we were in their building, the boys were not at it. We were a bit short on players and we go there as a different proposition now.

“For us, we just have to focus on the next one, keep this run going, keep challenging and keep battling and if we can do it I have firm belief the guys can get the job done.”

The Mos then have a tricky trip to the league’s basement side. They narrowly won 4-3 on their last visit to MK in December.

Defender Joe Stephenson in action for the Invicta Dynamos against Oxford City Stars Picture: David Trevallion
Defender Joe Stephenson in action for the Invicta Dynamos against Oxford City Stars Picture: David Trevallion

“It’s another tough away game,” said Lennon. “We’ve jumped a place in the league, fifth to fourth, we’re happy about that, if we can maintain these performances now we can keep moving forward.”

The Mos are just a point off third but Lennon said: “These guys will do everything in their power to get as high as they can. We put a number together as a team at the start of the season after a couple of games to see where we might hope to place, that has moved away from hope to belief, we believe we can finish higher, but we have to maintain the performances. It is solely about the next game, we can’t worry about that number.”

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