Shropshire Star

Telford Tigers urged to keep belief

Telford Tigers believe a positive atmosphere is key to getting back on track after suffering their third consecutive defeat, writes Daniel White.

Published

Head coach Tom Watkins was left frustrated as his side wasted chances throughout their shoot-out defeat to rock-bottom Leeds Chiefs at Telford Ice Rink on Sunday night.

However, the Tigers still have a healthy six-point lead over Swindon Wildcats at the top of the NIHL National League, with Watkins keen to take the positives.

“We still got a point, which could be very important in the bigger picture," he said. "It’s important we stick together, focus on the process and get behind each other.

"It’s my job to get the atmosphere back at practice this week and promote the belief in the group.

"This is a good group of players who have put the team in the position we are in, and I have a huge amount of faith in them all.”

Tigers had led early through Fin Howell’s deflected effort, before Patrik Valcak equalised for Leeds in the second period.

Jack Watkins put Tigers back ahead with a powerful shot late in the second period, but Leeds equalised just 16 seconds later, and frustrated Telford throughout the third period and in overtime.

In the end, Leeds goaltender Sam Gospel was the hero – he saved Dominik Florian’s penalty to secure victory for the Chiefs, who sit bottom of the table.

Watkins added: “It was a tough night – flat performance, flat atmosphere and we didn’t have the jump we have played with for much of this season.

"We did have some opportunities, not least in the overtime period when we had a four-on-three power play.

"I don’t think we got a puck to the net in that situation and didn’t move it quickly enough, which was frustrating."

Next up for Tigers is a home game against Hull Pirates on Saturday – the teams met as recently as Saturday, with Hull coming out 6-3 winners.

Second-placed Swindon Wildcats have a home game against Sheffield Steeldogs on the same evening.