TELFORD, UK – Tigers Head Coach Tom Watkins hailed his side’s travelling support as “crucial” during Thursday night’s British Challenge Cup win over Manchester Phoenix.
A 3-1 victory in the first leg of the final means Telford are now favourites to add more silverware to their English Premier League success.
A packed Silver Blades in Manchester saw hundreds of Tigers fans make the trip north, for the club’s first major cup final in 17 years.
And Watkins paid tribute to that midweek fanbase.
He said: “It is never easy for fans to travel to an away game on a Thursday night, so to see so many of them in the stands was really heartening. The noise they made was great and they certainly did the club proud.
“Manchester came to shut us down and having that support, especially during the third period, was crucial for us. We talk a lot about the crowd being a sixth man, but they certainly did their job tonight.”
Goals from Scott McKenzie (2) and Nathan Salem proved to be the difference in Altrincham, as the hosts closed down Telford’s first line.
The 3-1 scoreline weighs heavily in Telford’s favour for the second leg, but Watkins will be taking no chances.
“I asked the guys to pull together tonight and I thought they did that really well,” he said.
“It is disappointing that we gave up a goal in the third period, as that gave Manchester a lot of energy. Both netminders played very well and I am pretty happy with where we are.
“We’ve taken a decent step, and we know what to expect, but we will still give them a lot of respect. It will be 0-0 at the start of the second leg and we’ll try to get a sense of urgency around the first goal.”
The second leg of the British Challenge Cup final will be played on Thursday, March 19th, at Telford Ice Rink (7.30pm).
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