(Image permission: Chud Photography)
LANCASHIRE, UK – Sheffield Steeldogs will bid to get their Moralee D1 title bid back on track this weekend when they face Nottingham Lions and Solihull Barons.
Last week’s 4-1 defeat at Whitley Warriors left Sheffield second in the table, two points behind Telford Tigers with a game in hand.
With Hull Pirates just a further point adrift in third place, Sheffield forward Adrian Palak admits it’s important the team bounces back from the result at Hillheads.
“The top of the league is incredibly close this year,” he said. “We’ve worked very hard to get to this point. With games still to come against Hull and Telford anything can happen.
“One goal means a lot in each game and all teams playing cup games as well, so it’s even more interesting. We need to focus on our own game – go from one game to another. If you want to win the league, you have to deserve it.
“Nottingham on Saturday are a team which will play until the end whatever the score is. They have very good goaltending in Sam Gospel and leading from the front by experienced forward by Marc Levers.
“It was a tough loss at well prepared Whitley last Sunday, so we want to jump back to winning ways. We’ll definitely do everything needed to get two points on our ice.
“Solihull have proved their power already this year. Our first game against them was very close and tense until the final whistle.
“We’re expecting a good and loud crowd on Sunday. They’re the dark horse of the league and we’re aware of it. We need to show up concentrated with good discipline pick up the win.”
Sutton Sting face a weekend double-header on home ice aiming to take over top spot in Laidler D2.
Five wins in a row have moved Sutton up to second in the table, level on points with Telford Tigers 2 with four games in hand.
With the leaders set to face fellow title hopefuls Widnes Wild on Saturday this could prove to be an important weekend in the title race.
Forward Dominic Martin has played a key role in Sutton’s recent form, with his efforts recognised by winning January’s Player of the Month award.
He is currently on the sidelines with an injury, but is hoping to make a speedy return to the ice.
“We’re hoping to build on January which is hopefully a season defining month for us,” he said. “Beating Widnes, Altrincham (Aces) and coming from 3-0 down to beat Telford sums up what our team can do.
“It’s a huge weekend now, with Bradford (Bulldogs) who are always tough and Hull (Jets) who are in this exciting top of the table battle with us. I’m gutted to be injured, but hopefully I’ll be back for the title push soon.
“I was really excited to win player of the month, especially with so many great players putting up a lot of points in this league.”
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Moralee D1
Saturday
Billingham Stars v Telford Tigers
Blackburn Hawks v Hull Pirates
Sheffield Steeldogs v Nottingham Lions
Solihull Barons v Whitley Warriors
Sunday
Blackburn Hawks v Telford Tigers
Deeside Dragons v Hull Pirates
Nottingham Lions v Billingham Stars
Solihull Barons v Sheffield Steeldogs
Whitley Warriors v Solway Sharks
Laidler D2
Saturday
Hull Jets v Deeside Dragons 2
Sheffield Senators v Coventry Blaze NIHL
Sutton Sting v Bradford Bulldogs
Telford Tigers 2 v Widnes Wild
Sunday
Altrincham Aces v Bradford Bulldogs
Sutton Sting v Hull Jets
Widnes Wild v Deeside Dragons 2
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