DURHAM, UK – Whitley Warriors who went unbeaten throughout their 2010/11 English National League North campaign suffered a shock defeat away at the Telford Titans in their second league game of the new season.
Warriors went down to a 7-4 defeat at Telford a result that will have given the entire English National League hope that Whitley may not have the roster to win the title at a canter this term. So far this campaign Warriors have won 2 and lost 2 of the 4 games they have played in all competitions and Whitley’s squad appears to lack the strength in depth it has had during the last few campaigns.
Whitley’s defence has not been at his best so far this season as Warriors have already conceded 7 goals on 2 occasions. Last term’s starting netminder James Flavell left Hillheads over the summer months and Andrew Jaszczyk who was brought in to replace Flavell has not impressed during his first few outings in the Maroon and Gold.
Offensively Whitley lost key players such as Adam Reynolds and Karl Culley over the close season however Warriors have still looked a potent force in attack. Young winger Callum Watson has already bagged a hatrick this term and it would appear that the forward could well go onto to make a name for himself this season now that the speedy youngster has the opportunity to play on the first line week in and week out.
This weekend Whitey only have 1 fixture a home clash against the Coventry ENL Blaze on Sunday evening (25th September, 5pm face off). This game will be a real test for Warriors as Coventry finished runners up in both the League and Play Offs last year and given that Whitley have had a slow start to the campaign both sides will be hoping that a win in this fixture will see them installed as title contenders even at this early stage of the season.
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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