I’m sorry, but we’re going to have to talk about Guildford first.
What. A. Result.
Ben and James’ report was magnificent for anyone unfortunate enough not to be there, me included, and it’s obvious I’m going to have to redouble my efforts if I want to stay in a job.
I honestly did not expect the game we would finally beat them in league to be that one, especially after the 2-7 home game, especially considering both teams’ recent form, and especially when I saw how short-benched we were.
But the kids are alright, y’know. It’s already being suggested tongue-in-cheek that we keep the bench this lean every week, considering the type of performances they’re putting in. I’ve sung their praises a lot already this season, but what a crop of young players we’ve got on our hands.
It’s a league win four years in the making. I think I’ve seen most of our games against Guildford during that time and it’s quite difficult to stress just how much that win will mean to so many fans. So many times we’ve walked dejected out of the Spectrum, so many times we’ve had to put up with them dictating to us in our own barn. The coaches have spoken about being on the cusp, about being one or two things away from it all clicking. It certainly seems to be clicking now alright.
There were more short benches last Saturday. I’ve said here previously, Bristol haven’t looked the same side since becoming 2022/23 league champions, and this year seems no different. Two wins in six so far in the league.
They travelled without the experience of Oli Shone, Lee Duance, and Josh Dolphin, which didn’t help their cause. Bright sparks Joe Malfatti and Joe Caccavale impressed though, and at 16 and 17 could be the future for this side if they can keep hold of them; both have iced for Cardiff Fire in South 1 this season.
It takes six minutes for Haringey to take control of the game. From 2-1 up they never look like letting it slip, and it’s another night where they score really well, dominating the scoreboard.
Conner Smith gets us up and running after a minute and a half with a finish at the back post, after being supplied by Will Nowik. It’s soon 1-1 though, Malfatti gains the zone, cuts in from the left and it’s a smart finish from the slot against the run of play.
Haringey instantly respond with Carl Etuazim getting his first of the night, ripped from the hashmarks to restore the Huskies’ lead. Rob Rejna finds Will from behind net but his one-timer goes wide. Conner’s gloved from the draw. Cam Pow shoots wide from the point. Will nearly scores, drives to net, dangles, but the net’s kicked off.
The third goal does come with five left in the frame. Stuart Appleby and Marton Szasz combine on the breakaway, the puck breaking to Stu on the left who finishes across goal bottom right.
New boy Stanley Ratcliffe completed the scoring in the first, walking in from the left and sending a wrister straight past the Bristol netminder. Good finish.
I have skin in the game when it comes to Stanley’s (my brother’s called Stanley), and I thought he had a very good debut. Very physical, lots about him, and can obviously find the net. He might have played against us for the Streatham Blackhawks, but my memory’s not that good. 4-1 end of first.
We start fast in the second.
Ryan Payne makes a glorious hit, before a bit of pressure pays off on the forecheck and Carl grabs his second goal, a decisive finish from the slot.
Conner almost bags a shorthanded goal but is stopped at the crease on the breakaway. Carl with some amazing hands to dance round three Pitbull’s centre ice and come away with possession. Some serious skill right there.
I thought Leo De Souza Saoncella had a brilliant game. He’s had a relatively quiet start to the season, but he really put a shift in on Saturday. He makes it 6-1 after a mix-up between goalie and defenceman, pouncing on the loose puck and roofing it from the hashmarks. More than deserved for the effort he’d put in.
A minute later and it’s seven, Nikita Bzozovskis with the snipe and Haringey purring. Bristol double their tally towards the end of the period after the puck’s fumbled and spills into the slot, with a finish from close by JJ Craiper. Not a lot for Dylan Philips in that period, facing just four shots.
More Haringey domination in the third.
Pete Toth’s shot from the left is kicked out, after he made a fantastic interception centre ice. Ryan Payne has a look before Rob and Conner combine tic-tac-toe, but the net’s off its posts again.
Leo scores his second goal with 15 left in the game, and it’s a goal reminiscent of his one against Peterborough last year in the cup. He bursts through into the o-zone 1-on-1 and goes top shelf from the slot. Brilliant. 8-2.
I thought it was Stu that was brought down, but Marton takes it. Haringey are awarded a penalty shot and Marton dispatches with aplomb. Stays pretty central but shifts the netminder at the crease first right then left and scores backhand nearside. A great penalty shot. Carl puts the icing on the cake for number 10 and seals his hattrick too. Rounds the net, spins and goes low across goal. Wow.
Bristol call timeout but there’s nothing they can do. It’s comprehensive. Haringey’s 58 to Bristol’s 23 shots on net; Haringey’s 10 to Bristol’s two. Carl grabs Player of the Match for an amazing attacking display. He’s certainly justifying his place on the first line, and long may it continue.
It’s Chelmsford on the road this Sunday. Can we get that first regulation win away from home? The Warriors will be desperate to snap their seven-game losing streak, but we should have far too much for them, particularly if we’re in the same mood as last weekend.
There’re five games left in 2025, and I see no reason why, with this form, we can’t win them all and roll on into next year. It starts against Chelmsford.
Let’s Go Huskies.
Photos by Phil Hutchinson
