Tigers coach Tom Watkins credited his side’s flying start as a fundamental reason behind Sunday night’s 5-1 win over EPL leaders Basingstoke Bison.
The Shropshire men, playing their second home game in as many days, struck twice in the first 20 minutes – while outshooting the Bison by two shots to one.
Victory means Telford are now joint-fourth in the EPL table alongside Guildford Flames, but with a game in hand over the Surrey outfit.
Sam Zajac scoring for Telford in the first period
Watkins, who gave his side a dressing down after Saturday’s 3-1 win over Bracknell, was delighted with the reaction in Sunday night’s game.
He said: “It was a way better performance than Saturday and we started really well. The first five minutes of the game were very important for us.
“We had a three-and zero record against Basingstoke beforehand, so it was crucial that we got something back off them at home tonight.
“We were excellent in all three zones and I don’t think we gave any good scoring chances away. The guys did the little things right in the offensive zone and created quality opportunities.
“I saw a lot of good performances tonight and our defence battled really hard, which helped on the transition. We turned pucks over on the forecheck and all those things counted towards a really good performance.”
Victory at home to the Bison on Sunday came after goals from Sam Zajac and Rick Plant in the opening 20 minutes.
The visitors hit back just after the break, but Plant completed his double at the halfway point of the game.
And further goals from Joe Miller and Peter Szabo in the closing session secured victory for Telford.
Watkins added: “We spoke all week about trying to play a bit harder and playing like men at times. That starts in defence, where we have to battle and block shots.
“I was disappointed that we gave up the goal. We probably should have blocked it, as Gozzy couldn’t see it. But I can’t fault anyone’s effort or commitment tonight.”
The Tigers are back in action next weekend, when they travel to face Swindon Wildcats on Saturday, before the visit of Peterborough Phantoms to Telford Ice Rink on Sunday (6pm).
All images courtesy of Steve Brodie
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