LANCASHIRE, UK – Sheffield Steeldogs still lead the way in Moralee D1 after picking up four points from their weekend double-header against Solway Sharks.
Adrian Palak topped the scoring with two goals in a 6-2 road success, while James Spurr (2) led the way in their 4-2 victory back on home ice.
Sam Towner and Bobby Chamberlain weighed in with a couple of goals apiece as Hull Pirates triumphed 9-0 at home to Nottingham Lions.
Nottingham had better luck at Deeside Dragons as Paul Stanley and Ruskin Hughes both scored three in a 6-1 success.
Telford Tigers eased to an 18-1 win at Deeside – Jason Silverthorn and Warren Tait bagged hat-tricks for the visitors.
Whitley Warriors recorded a pair of victories over Blackburn Hawks, winning 5-2 on the road and 6-2 on home ice – Phil Edgar grabbed four goals over the two games.
Solihull Barons also collected four points, beating Billingham Stars 4-3 after overtime away from home and 5-1 at Hobs Moat Road.
Telford progressed to the semi-finals of the NIHL National Cup after completing a 9-6 aggregate success over Streatham IHC.
Telford Tigers 2 are the new leaders in Laidler D2 after winning 7-4 at Bradford Bulldogs and 6-3 at home to Coventry Blaze NIHL.
Sutton Sting are up to second in the table courtesy of a 4-2 home victory over Widnes Wild and a 5-3 success at Altrincham Aces.
Widnes also lost 4-2 on home ice against Bradford and Altrincham were beaten 4-1 at Sheffield Senators.
Deeside Dragons 2 lost 10-1 at Coventry, while Blackburn Hawks 2 remain rooted to the foot of the table after losing 10-1 at Hull Jets and 11-2 at home to Sheffield.
PHN’s top two talking points
Gospel shines in the face of Hull’s barrage
Nottingham’s 9-0 defeat at Hull on Sunday left them 9th in D1, but that scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story of the game.
Lions’ netminder Sam Gospel showcased his ability by facing 83 shots during the 60 minutes, pulling off some stunning saves in the face of Hull’s relentless attack.
Gospel has proved he is capable of playing at a higher level, but he is currently giving Nottingham realistic hope of avoiding relegation.
D2 continues to provide top entertainment
Just two points covers the top five teams in D2 and it’s impossible to predict which one will win this season’s title.
Telford Tigers 2 lead the way by two points from Sutton, Widnes, Hull and Altrincham and there’s likely to be many more twists and turns still to come.
The Tigers have lost just one of their last 14 games to move to the top of the table, but both Sutton and Widnes have recently strengthened their squads and can’t be ruled out.
Hull and Altrincham have been a little inconsistent during January, but both sides are still firmly in the mix.
WEEKEND RESULTS
Moralee D1
Billingham Stars 3-4 Solihull Barons (OT)
Blackburn Hawks 2-5 Whitley Warriors
Deeside Dragons 1-6 Nottingham Lions
Deeside Dragons 1-18 Telford Tigers
Hull Pirates 9-0 Nottingham Lions
Sheffield Steeldogs 4-2 Solway Sharks
Solihull Barons 5-1 Billingham Stars
Solway Sharks 2-6 Sheffield Steeldogs
Whitley Warriors 6-2 Blackburn Hawks
Laidler D2
Altrincham Aces 3-5 Sutton Sting
Blackburn Hawks 2 2-11 Sheffield Senators
Bradford Bulldogs 4-7 Telford Tigers 2
Coventry Blaze NIHL 10-1 Deeside Dragons 2
Hull Jets 10-1 Blackburn Hawks 2
Sheffield Senators 4-1 Altrincham Aces
Sutton Sting 4-2 Widnes Wild
Telford Tigers 2 6-3 Coventry Blaze NIHL
Widnes Wild 2-4 Bradford Bulldogs
NIHL National Cup
Telford Tigers 4-4 Streatham IHC (agg 9-6)
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