(Image permission: David Morrison)
LANCASHIRE, UK – It’s a big weekend for Solway Sharks and Sheffield Steeldogs in NIHL North, with the two sides going head-to-head in league and cup action.
With free dates in short supply it was agreed that this weekend’s two Moralee D1 fixtures would double up as National Cup games, adding even more importance to the home and away double-header.
Solway currently trail Sheffield by four points in the league, but the reigning champions are refusing to give up their title without a fight.
Forward Ross Murray says the team are happy with how their season is progressing.
“We feel like we’re in a really good position at the moment,” he said.
“Some people thought we would struggle against the EPL teams that came down, but we’ve shown true grit and determination and proved that on our day we can take on any team in the league.
“You just have to look at our most recent win against Blackburn (Hawks) last weekend to see that when we’re all rolling as a team we will roll any side over.
“We’re focused on keeping that momentum going for the rest of the year and still have our sights set for that top of the league spot.
“It’s our title to lose, and we’ll do everything we can to keep it.”
Sutton Sting face two tough tests in Laidler D2 as the battle to secure a top four place hots up.
Sting host table-topping Widnes Wild on Saturday before travelling to face second-placed Altrincham Aces the following day.
Last week’s 4-3 overtime defeat against Telford Tigers 2 left Sutton fifth in the table and defender James Goodman admits it’s a big weekend for the club.
“Our season so far has been a relatively good one,” he said. “We got off to a flying start – one better than expected – and surprised a few teams.
“We’ve had a little dip of late and lost a few games that we probably shouldn’t have. However at the weekend away against Telford I feel that we were back to where we should be. We played a really good game and were unlucky not to come away with the two points.
“We don’t concede many goals, but we’ve been struggling to put the puck in the net lately.
“One bright spark lately has been the veteran Ryan Johnson who’s been moved up front from defence and he’s been excellent for us.
“I think we are in good form going into this weekend, although both games will be really tough.
“We are looking for a four point weekend to take us back into the play-off positions, but we know it will be a tough ask.”
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Moralee D1
Saturday
Billingham Stars v Solihull Barons
Blackburn Hawks v Whitley Warriors
Deeside Dragons v Nottingham Lions
Solway Sharks v Sheffield Steeldogs
Sunday
Deeside Dragons v Telford Tigers
Hull Pirates v Nottingham Lions
Sheffield Steeldogs v Solway Sharks
Solihull Barons v Billingham Stars
Whitley Warriors v Blackburn Hawks
Laidler D2
Saturday
Bradford Bulldogs v Telford Tigers 2
Coventry Blaze NIHL v Deeside Dragons 2
Hull Jets v Blackburn Hawks 2
Sheffield Senators v Altrincham Aces
Sutton Sting v Widnes Wild
Sunday
Altrincham Aces v Sutton Sting
Blackburn Hawks 2 Sheffield Senators
Telford Tigers 2 v Coventry Blaze NIHL
Widnes Wild v Bradford Bulldogs
NIHL National Cup
Saturday
Telford Tigers v Streatham IHC
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