IN A first clash of the season between two of the favourites for the English National Hockey League, the Invicta Dynamos came out on top 4-1 against

visiting Cardiff Devils.

Coach Kev Parrish said: "We did a job but this was never going to be a classic. The way both teams are playing close to the top of their games meant it was very much a tactical battle and that in turn meant at times the game was a little scrappy as we cancelled each other out.

"I was obviously happy with the result but I still believe we’re not quite up to our full potential and there’s more to come."

There was not much between the sides regarding shots on target, with the Mos edging it 37-34.

The difference was player of the match Ian Rowlands between the pipes for the home side and Invicta’s superior finishing.

After a nightmare start, when the visitors scored after just 40 seconds through Daniel Clarkson, Invicta replied with first-period goals from AJ Smith and Peter Korff.

And a goal in each of the next two sessions from Donald Gagnon and Andy Smith condemned league leaders Cardiff to their first defeat of the season.