London Raiders began 2016 as they ended the old year by going down 4-2 against Wightlink Raiders at Lee Valley on Saturday evening.

That loss means it is now three defeats on the spin for Alan Blyth’s side who remain sixth in National Ice Hockey League South One.

The Raiders were without netminder Michael Gray, meaning a start for backup George Alley, whilst Mason Webster was also unavailable for the hosts.

Wightlink dominated the opening period but neither side could make the breakthrough with the visitors unable to capitalise on a delay of game penalty against Rob Jenner or a bench minor for having many men on the ice.

The Raiders, meanwhile, were unable to take advantage of penalties against Damon Larter for hooking and Ben Paynter for slashing.

But the deadlock was broken after 32 minutes when Wightlink’s Jaroslav Cesky netted. Parity was restored just three minutes later, though, as Jenner struck for Blyth’s side.

Little under two minutes later the pendulum swung back in Wightlink’s favour, however, as Ryan Webb found the target to restore the visitors’ lead.

And a couple of minutes after that the away side were 3-1 up as player-coach Jeremy Cornish got in on the act to give Wightlink the benefit of a two-goal cushion.

The game was out of sight for the Raiders when Alex Sampford added a fourth for Wightlink less than a minute later.

With the luxury of a three-goal buffer the visitors were able to sit back and protect their lead, though they dominated the shot count and by the end edged out their hosts 34-27.

Still, the Raiders saw powerplay chances come and go before Tom Davis clashed with Gregory to earn a roughing double minor.

Whilst Davis sat out the action, Mark Nahlik reduced the arrears but to no avail.