(Image permission: GW Images)
LANCASHIRE, UK – Widnes Wild host Sheffield Senators on Sunday aiming to maintain their unbeaten record in Laidler D2.
Wild are currently second in the table, one point behind leaders Altrincham Aces with a game in hand.
This weekend’s game will be the second time the two sides have met this season, with Widnes running out narrow winners in Sheffield at the end of September.
Player/Coach Ollie Barron bagged a hat-trick in that game and he’s expecting another close battle on Sunday.
“We played the Sens three weeks ago, where we had to fight back from a 3-0 deficit to win the game 5-4,” said Barron. “We know it will be another tough test for us – Sheffield have a good squad and work hard in each game.
“We’ve had a strong start to the season – I’m pleased with the team and the style we are playing. We have a good balance in the changing room, but I’m under no illusions that the season get harder.
“We have some big fixtures coming up – I’m looking at taking each game one game at a time, preparing for each opponent.
“I’m currently working on adding one or two new faces to the squad to add further competition for places and add depth to the team selection.”
Billingham Stars face Sheffield Steeldogs on Sunday hoping to end the miserable run of form during the current campaign.
The Stars have won just one out of seven games in Moralee D1, with two of those defeats coming at the hands of the Steeldogs in Sheffield.
Billingham’s Director of Coaching Terry Ward is remaining positive despite his team’s struggles.
“We know we will be up against it this weekend, but given the improved standard of the league you can say that about any game now,” said Ward. “The Steeldogs are a quality outfit – they skate hard and offensively they are very dangerous indeed.
“Their two imports are definitely the ones to look out for – (Milan) Kolena knows a trick or too and we know what (Adrian) Palak can do at this level. That said, we must believe that we can turn Sheffield over – our ice pad is smaller and gives them less room to make their plays.
“The camp is remaining positive – we know this streak we’re on is not representative of what we are capable of. Sooner or later those results will start turning our way and I see no reason why it can’t start this week.”
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Moralee D1
Saturday
Solway Sharks v Blackburn Hawks
Sunday
Blackburn Hawks v Telford Tigers
Nottingham Lions v Whitley Warriors
Solihull Barons v Deeside Dragons
Billingham Stars v Sheffield Steeldogs
Laidler D2
Saturday
Bradford Bulldogs v Sutton Sting
Telford Tigers 2 v Altrincham Aces
Sheffield Senators v Coventry Blaze NIHL
Sunday
Sutton Sting v Hull Jets
Altrincham Aces v Blackburn Hawks 2
Widnes Wild v Sheffield Senators
Deeside Dragons 2 v Bradford Bulldogs
NIHL Autumn Cup
Saturday
Hull Pirates v Telford Tigers
Sunday
Swindon Wildcats v Hull Pirates
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