Cornish was appointed as Wightlink Raiders coach in 2009

Wightlink Raiders coach Jeremy Cornish says this Saturday's home fixture against Chelmsford Chieftains will have the same intensity as a cup final.

Raiders drew Sunday's away fixture with Chieftains 4-4 to sit just six points above them in the English National Ice Hockey League South Division.

Cornish told BBC Radio Solent: "This is our cup final. It will be a very intense game and it's vital we win.

"There's big pressure on this one as they haven't beaten us this season."

Cornish added: "We are banking on all our home fans coming out to support us.

"It would give us a massive lift. Chieftains will have 50-100 away fans and we hope our fans can drown them out."

Raiders sit top of the table with 37 points, having not lost a match since their 3-2 defeat at Invicta Dynamos in November, and Cornish admitted his side are revelling in being title-contenders this season.

"We are a team that has to have pressure, we thrive on it," he said.

"There are teams in our league who don't have a history of not having to deal with pressure.

"But our team is built on hard work and thrive on these opportunities," said the 33-year-old.

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