Title hopes hit as Leeds Knights run out of gas on the road at Romford
LEEDS KNIGHTS fell agonisingly short of posting a perfect six-point weekend on Sunday - but they should still be satisfied with their efforts across three gruelling nights.
On paper, it was the last of their three games in as many nights where the defending NIHL National champions would perhaps have been expected to succeed.
The long weekend - or the start of six games in nine days if you prefer - began on home ice with a superb come-from-behind 6-3 win against leaders Swindon Wildcats, inspired by a four-point night from import forward Owen Sobchak.
The following night, the Knights again fell behind before being led by captain Kieran Brown’s double to a 2-1 win at second-placed Sheffield Steeldogs.
But, when it came down to it, a no doubt tired Knights line-up couldn’t quite get over the line at Romford Raiders on Sunday.
After falling behind to a Tjay Anderson opener on just 79 seconds, the Knights then took the lead when Edgars Vengis scored early in the second period, adding to Matt Bissonnette’s equaliser at 4.46.
The hosts - desperately trying to clinch what will realistically be one of the bottom three play-off spots at best - then hit back with two goals in as many minutes, Anderson levelling at 37.30 before Jarrett Baker made it 3-2 90 seconds later.
Sobchak restored parity at 47.25 and that looked like being enough for at least a share of the points.
But a high-sticking call on Bissonnette at 58.44 gave the Raiders the opportunity they needed, Laishram beating Sam Gospel, leaving no time for the Knights to come back a third time.
The defeat means the Knights remain 11 points off leaders Swindon with just 11 games to play - one of them against the Wildcats at the Link Centre on March 7.
In between remain the Steeldogs, although their 6-5 defeat at bottom club Bristol Pitbulls means the Knights are still just two points adrift with a game in hand.
The Steeldogs host Telford Tigers on Tuesday night before the Knights head to in-form Hull Seahawks on Wednesday - the first of two games in three nights between the two, who meet again at Elland Road on Friday.
The Knights close out their hectic schedule with a road trip to Solway Sharks on Saturday.