Former England captain Joe Johnston has hailed the character of his Streatham Redskins team-mates after they maintained their 100 per cent record at Milton Keynes Thunder on Sunday, writes Jon Fitzmaurice.

Johnston was named man-of-the-match in the 6-3 victory which keeps the Redskins top of the English National League with six wins out of six.

"We were really pleased to take away the points from this match," said Johnson, now Streatham's assistant captain.

"Milton Keynes always give you a tough game, particularly in their own rink.

"I think things are going well so far. It's paramount we don't get carried away yet but we are doing the important thing by putting points on the board.

"We have a good team spirit and a real belief in the camp, the new boys have fitted in nicely and there's a good blend throughout the team.

"I thought the boys battled hard and showed some real character in a tricky tie. This winning feeling is great and long may it continue."

Redskins dominated from the start and it wasn't long before they took the lead through fiery forward Steve Paris.

Craig Metcalf squeezed home a shot from a tight angle soon afterwards and three minutes later it was 3-0 as Sean Easton fired home.

Perry Richardson capped an amazing opening 10-minute spell by scoring the fourth with an emphatic shot into the top corner.

The Thunder were shell-shocked, but gradually played their way into the game as Streatham took their foot off the pedal and reduced the arrears just before the end of the first quarter.

Milton Keynes attempted to rough Streatham up in the second quarter, but the visitors maintained their discipline and extended their lead near the end of the period when, after a slick series of passes, Johnston tapped in from close range.

The Thunder started the third quarter well and were rewarded with two quick goals to make it 5-3.

But Streatham scored again with 10 minutes remaining to quell hopes of a home comeback, when Richard Hardy who buried a shot into the bottom corner.

With the game all but over Milton Keynes resorted to their physical tactics.

Trouble started after Streatham's Barry Spours was ejected from the game for fighting and then some nasty hits saw Hardy draw blood, Richardson hit hard from behind and Metcalf knocked out.

"This was a good win for us" said Redskins head coach Dean Birrell.

"Last season we came here and lost 4-0, but we took the game to Milton Keynes.

"It got a little rough towards the end, but we kept our heads. The result was all the more satisfying since a number of senior players were absent. Nothing succeeds like winning and the guys are now really up for it - we can't wait to play Oxford next week."

Redskins host Oxford City Stars on Sunday (6.45pm).