CHELMSFORD Chieftains had another decent weekend as they recovered from a 5-1 defeat by Guildford Flames in the English Challenge Cup on Saturday to beat Bracknell Hornets 4-0 at home in the league on Sunday.
And although they lost on Saturday against Flames, who play a level above the Chieftains in the Premier Division, it was not a walkover for the home side.
The Flames were made to work hard for the entire 60 minutes to secure the points.
The Chieftains can also be proud of the fact that they are using this competition to give some of their stars of the future valuable experience.
One of the rookies was rewarded with the man-of-the-match award at the end of the game.
Young Brandon Ayliffe plays his hockey for the U18 side, part of Chelmsford's Ice Hockey Academy, and it's great to see the future for the Chieftains looks bright.
Danny Hammond scored the Chieftains' solitary goal.
On Sunday it was back to NIHL Division One South action and Chieftains were without a full bench due to injury and youngsters being unavailable because of U18 commitments.
On paper it looked like an easy home win for the Chieftains, but the Hornets worked hard and, with the home side's lines struggling to gel, the fans began to wonder if that opening goal was going to come. It did eventually, but not until 29min 12sec, when Bailey Chittock set up Matt Turner, who finished the move, and at last the home fans had something to celebrate.
Another strike from Turner, a brace from Ross Brears and a shutout from netminder Euan King completed the job, giving the Chieftains maximum points to keep the pressure on Streatham Redskins, who are now top of the table but only on goal difference, with Chieftains having two games in hand.
Attention now turns to this Sunday's big pre-Christmas game against arch-rivals London Raiders.
Romford Raiders, as they were previously known, may now play in Lee Valley after being rebranded, but in the eyes of Chieftains fans it is the still the same "old enemy".
Chieftains and Raiders have been going head-to-head since the Riverside opened more than 27 years ago and, as always, a win in a "local" derby feels great if you are a fan of the victorious team.
In the summer it looked bleak for the Raiders as they struggled to find a new team owner, but they pulled through. In recent weeks, even with the loss of a couple of star players, they need to be respected.
Chieftains own the bragging rights after a tough 6-4 win in Lee Valley last month but the Raiders will be eager to reverse that and give their supporters an early Christmas gift.
At present Chieftains are flying high while the Raiders are stuck in the doldrums. However, forget the table, this game isn't about league points, it's about victory in the derby.
On Saturday Chieftains travel to Milton Keynes to face the Lightning in the English Challenge Cup.
Sunday's big derby faces off at 6.30pm at Riverside Ice and Leisure.
It's the Chieftains' final home game before Christmas, but there will not be a message of peace and goodwill from either coach in the pre-game instructions.
