Streatham Redskins coach Dean Birrell believes his side will still go a long way in this year's National Ice Hockey League play-offs despite being beaten 4-0 by Invicta Dynamos on Sunday.

Invicta scored a goal in each of the first two periods before adding two late goals to move into a strong position at the top of the table.

But the Redskins know ahead of this weekend's Super Sunday' double header - when the top four square off - that one more win will guarantee them a play-off berth.

"We weren't four goals worse than Invicta," insisted Birrell.

"Their netminder had a great game and we had a few chances early on that could have changed the game, but it just seemed like we were never going to score."

Streatham hit the Dynamos' post twice, while Milan Sotak had a breakaway chance well saved.

Although Invicta controlled the game there was an element of luck in their first goal, which was deflected past netminder Michael Gray.

Gray made a fantastic save in the lead-up to the second goal, but the puck deflected out to an Invicta forward to make it 2-0.

In the third period the Redskins threw everything into attack, but Dynamos made them pay with two goals in the final three minutes.

Birrell defended his decision to rest import player Jaroslav Pavlus, who has a chequered history in Invicta matches.

The first time the two sides met this year he was hit across the throat, which caused him to miss several matches.

In the second meeting, he was picked out for some rough treatment by the Dynamos and then thrown out of the game for kicking.

Birrell, who favoured new American import Scott Cannam, said: "I felt Scott was more of a physical player and more suitable to playing against Invicta and the way that they play.

"It is good to have three imports available now and I have a tough decision to make ahead of our next game."

Redskins visit fourth-placed Haringey Greyhounds on Sunday, while Invicta travel to third-placed Bracknell.