Ice Hockey
Barons triumph thanks to Ayres’ late strike

Buy photos » Charlie Hammerton celebrates scoring against Trafford Metros on Sunday. Picture by Keith Davies.

Solihull Barons 5 Trafford Metros 4

ENL North One

ANDY Ayres’ winner five minutes from time gave Solihull Barons their first victory of 2012 on Sunday in what proved a pulsating encounter at Hobs Moat Road.

Earlier, goals from Dale White, Richard Slater, Charlie Hammerton and Mike Rodger had given Solihull a 4-2 lead, but Metros drew level as the game neared its conclusion before Ayres’ late clincher.

The match could not have started any better for the home side as Luke Thomas’ effort deflected off White and fortuitously bounced into the Trafford net with 30 seconds on the clock.

Trafford were level by the end of the first period though, scoring during a five minute powerplay after Barons’ captain Adam Andrews was handed a match penalty for slashing.

Slater’s 100th career goal put Solihull back in front at the start of the second period but once again they could not shake their visitors off as they made it 4-2.

Hammerton and Rodger scored in quick succession before the interval to raise hopes of victory amongst the home fans but when Thomas was ejected from the game for kneeing, Trafford hit back to level.

Ayres had other ideas though and eight seconds after the visitors made it 4-4 he scored the all important winner to move Barons, who remain bottom, to within two points of Nottingham Lions.

Barons face a tricky tie on Sunday when they travel to league leaders Billingham Stars. The club coach departs Hobs Moat Road at 1pm and tickets can be reserved by contacting thesolihullbarons@gmail.com.