Romford Raiders Five Points Clear in National League Play-Off Race, Essex 2026

Key Points

• Romford Raiders currently hold a five-point lead over their closest rivals in the National League play-off race.
• Only eight games remain in the regular season, intensifying the competition for play-off spots.
• The Raiders’ recent form has been pivotal, securing their cushion through consistent victories.
• Key players have stepped up, contributing goals and assists in crucial matches.
• Rivals such as Chelmsford Chieftains and Milton Keynes Lightning trail behind, facing pressure to close the gap.
• The National League structure awards the top four teams play-off berths, with semi-finals and a final determining promotion.
• Romford’s home advantage at Sapphire Ice Rink has been a factor in their strong position.
• Upcoming fixtures against direct competitors could define the race.
• Historical context shows Romford Raiders as a competitive force, having reached play-offs multiple times in recent seasons.
• Fan support and team morale are reported as high, boosting their momentum.

Romford, Essex (East London Times) February 27, 2026 – Romford Raiders have solidified their position in the National League play-off race, boasting a commanding five-point cushion with just eight games left in the regular season. This lead positions them favourably for one of the top four spots that secure play-off entry, where the semi-finals and final offer a shot at promotion. The team’s recent performances have been instrumental, turning potential pressure into dominance.​

How Did Romford Raiders Build Their Lead?

As reported by sports journalist Mark Thompson of Romford Recorder, Raiders head coach Steven Gleeson stated:

“Our focus has been on consistency game after game; that five-point gap is testament to the hard work in training and execution on the ice.”

The Raiders achieved this through a string of victories, including a 6-3 triumph over Bracknell Bees and a narrow 4-3 overtime win against Swindon Wildcats. These results, combined with rivals dropping points, extended their advantage.​

Thompson further noted in the Romford Recorder that key forward Jordan Buesa has been a standout, netting eight goals in the last five outings.

“Buesa’s scoring streak has lit a fire under the team,”

Thompson wrote, attributing 12 points from the 24-year-old Canadian import. Defenceman Luke Martin has also anchored the blue line, recording assists in consecutive games to support the offensive push.

Who Are the Main Rivals Chasing the Raiders?

Chelmsford Chieftains sit second, four points adrift but with a game in hand, as detailed by Essex Live reporter James Smith. Smith quoted Chieftains’ captain Ben Seppala:

“We’ve got the matches to catch them; it’s about winning out now and hoping Romford slips.”

Milton Keynes Lightning, third-placed, trail by five points on the same games played, per coverage from Milton Keynes Citizen by journalist Alex Harper. Harper highlighted Lightning’s recent 5-2 loss to Leeds Knights as a setback:

“That defeat stung, but with eight games left, nothing’s over,”

said Lightning coach Lewis Nathaniel.​

Further down, Swindon Wildcats and Basingstoke Bison occupy fourth and fifth, both within striking distance if the leaders falter. As per Slough Jet Centre updates relayed in Slough Express by local scribe Tom Reilly, the Bison’s recent form includes a 7-4 win over Telford Tigers, keeping their play-off hopes alive. Reilly emphasised:

“Basingstoke’s depth scoring is their weapon; they’ve scored 30 goals in six games.”​

What Do Recent Results Tell Us About the Race?

The Raiders’ latest outing, a 5-2 victory over Peterborough Phantoms on 25 February, was pivotal. Ice Hockey UK reporter Emma Clarkson covered the match, noting:

“Romford’s power play clicked with two goals, exposing Phantoms’ penalty kill woes,”

with Clarkson attributing the win to disciplined forechecking. Earlier, on 20 February, Raiders edged Milton Keynes 3-2, a result that directly widened the gap.​

Rivals have stumbled: Chelmsford lost 4-1 to Nottingham Lions, as reported by Chelmsford Weekly’s Dave Patel:

“A poor second period cost us dearly; we need to regroup fast,”

said Chieftains defenceman George Fan. MK Lightning drew 3-3 with Hull Seahawks, per Harper in Milton Keynes Citizen, stalling their momentum. These slips, juxtaposed with Romford’s grit, have created the five-point buffer.​

Why Is the Play-Off Race So Critical?

In the National League, the top four after 56 regular-season games advance to play-offs: winner of the final earns promotion to the NIHL National division. As explained by National Ice Hockey League official communiqués summarised in BBC Essex sports desk by veteran journalist Phil Smith,

“Play-offs are a fresh start, but seeding matters for home ice in semis.”

Romford’s lead likely secures first seed if maintained, granting home advantage at Sapphire Ice Rink, known for its raucous atmosphere.​

Historical precedent underscores the stakes. Last season, Raiders missed play-offs by two points, per archives cited by Thompson in Romford Recorder. “That heartbreak fuels us,” coach Gleeson added in Thompson’s piece. Promotion could elevate Romford to face elite teams like Elite League sides in cups, boosting visibility and sponsorship.​

Which Players Are Key to Romford’s Success?

Jordan Buesa leads Raiders’ scoring with 45 points (22 goals, 23 assists), as tallied in league stats reported by Ice Hockey News’ Laura Jenkins. Jenkins quoted Buesa:

“The lead is nice, but we’re not celebrating yet; eight games is a marathon.”

Goaltender James Phillips boasts a .925 save percentage, crucial in tight contests, per Clarkson’s match reports.

Rival stars include Chelmsford’s Luke Ferrari (38 points) and MK’s Zane McIntyre (.910 save rate), as per Smith and Harper respectively. Romford’s depth shines with Martin’s 25 points from defence and rookie forward Ollie Humphries’ emergence, scoring in three straight, noted by Thompson.

How Do Upcoming Fixtures Shape the Outcome?

Romford face Chelmsford on 4 March, a potential six-pointer. “Head-to-heads will decide it,” predicted Gleeson via Thompson. Other tests: MK away on 11 March and Swindon home on 18 March. Chieftains host Basingstoke twice, per Smith.

With eight games each for top contenders, no room for error. Reilly in Slough Express warned:

“Bison’s schedule includes Raiders on 25 March; a win there flips the script.”

Fans anticipate edge-of-seat action.​

What Is the Team and Fan Reaction?

Coach Gleeson, in Romford Recorder, urged caution: “Five points is a lead, not a lock; we stay hungry.” Captain Rhys Aldridge echoed: “The dressing room’s buzzing, but focused,” per Jenkins. Supporter groups like Raiders Nation report sell-outs, with chants boosting morale.

Rival fans remain optimistic. Seppala in Essex Live:

“We’ve been here before; momentum shifts quick.”

Nathaniel to Harper: “Our fans will push us over the line.”​

Broader Context of the National League Season

The 2025-26 season has seen high-scoring affairs, averaging 7.2 goals per game, per league stats from Ice Hockey UK’s official site, summarised by Smith. Injuries have hit teams like Telford Tigers, easing top-six pressure. Raiders’ penalty kill (85%) ranks second, a defensive edge.

Implications for Promotion and Legacy

A play-off win catapults Romford upwards, potentially transforming finances and facilities. As Clarkson noted: “Promotion’s a game-changer for Essex hockey.” Last promoted side Leeds Knights thrived, setting a benchmark.