Streatham Redskins kept up the pressure on English National Ice Hockey South leaders Invicta with two wins in two days last weekend, writes Jon Fitzmaurice.

Dean Birrell's men enjoyed a 3-0 victory away to Romford Spitfires on Saturday before handing out a 7-3 beating to Swindon Wildcats at the Streatham Ice Arena on Sunday.

The victories mean that Redskins are just one point behind Invicta with the teams set to meet in a crunch clash next month.

Streatham found themselves a goal down after three minutes against Swindon, but goals from Perry Richardson and Steve Paris put them into the lead at the break.

The visitors levelled, but Joe Johnston and Craig Mecalfe gave Redskins a 4-2 at the end of the second period and further strikes from Robert Blazowski (two) and Richardson completed the victory.

"We knew this was going to be a tough game and it was," said Redskins coach Birrell.

"Swindon are a hardworking and physical team and the latter was perhaps their undoing, as they took 28 minutes of penalties to our 14."

Streatham may have expected an easier game in Essex the previous day, but bottom side Romford put up stout resistance at the Rom Valley Ice Arena.

However, Redskins got off to a perfect start when top scorer Johnston, in his first game back since returning from Australia, opened the scoring inside two minutes.

However, the expected deluge of goals did not materialise and it took the visitors until the 44th minute to extend their lead through Lee Briers.

Craig Metcalfe wrapped up the points near the end.

"I was surprised by Romford's performance," admitted Birrell.

"We just couldn't get the puck into the back of the net. The main reason was their goalie who, despite facing 42 shots, only let in three.

"He really kept them in the game."

Streatham's next match is at home to Haringey on Sunday, February 4.