Tigers beat EPL high-flyers Milton Keynes 4-2

Tigers head coach Tom Watkins enjoyed a hefty slice of “character and commitment” in Sunday night’s 4-2 win over high-flying Milton Keynes Lightning.

Watkins’ men fought back from a 2-0 deficit at the start of the second period to beat one of the favourites for this year’s English Premier League title.

Success at Telford Ice Rink followed Saturday’s 9-0 demolition of Hull Pirates, and means the Tigers are now level on points with fifth-placed Swindon Wildcats.

Watkins, who brought in new import Andrei Makrov last week, was delighted with his side’s performance against a battle-hardened Milton Keynes squad.

He said: “It was a great win, the guys showed superb character and it was a great performance. I thought we were unlucky to give up a five on three at the start, and then we lost Jonathan Weaver.

“The character and commitment in our defence was excellent tonight. Marcus Maynard blocked a huge shot in the second period, and that typified how we played throughout the game.”

A goal after six minutes handed Milton Keynes an early lead on Sunday, as they capitalised on a two-man penalty advantage.

The visitors extended that margin at the start of the second session, before Makrov scored his first goal of the night on 23 minutes.

Blaho Novak equalised for the hosts on 31 minutes, with Makrov’s second goal coming just before the interval.

Tigers captain Jason Silverthorn was on target after five minutes of the final period, sealing victory for Telford.

Watkins added: “It was great to see Andrei score tonight, and that’s what we brought him here for.

“He’s got good speed and good strength on the puck for a guy who is only five foot nine. He had a couple of chances and they were in the back of the net.

“I think that is where we have been missing a little bit this season. He was unlucky not to get on the board in Hull last night and had some good opportunities to score.

“It’s just a case of getting used to this league and style. It’s a little bit chaotic perhaps, compared to where he’s played in the past.”