Jason Parry hailed youngster Brad Betteridge’s two-goal haul as a decisive factor in Sunday night’s 4-4 draw with Billingham Stars.
Parry’s men looked to have secured both points against Billingham, until a late powerplay strike ensured a share of the spoils for the Teesside outfit.
Two of Telford’s goals came from 17-year-old Betteridge – repaying the faith shown in him by the Tigers NIHL coach.
Parry said: “Bradley isn’t 18 until June, and last year he had a real breakout, scoring something like 30 or 40 points. He’s had a tough time this season, but he’s worked hard.
“The main thing is that he’s to the effort in and made the GB under-18s squad, which shows he’s doing something right. I said to him once he’d scored the one goal he would get another and he did.”
Telford found themselves 2-0 down after 18 minutes on Sunday, after the Stars scored twice in just 15 seconds.
James Smith hit back for the Tigers just moments later, before those two goals from Betteridge in the second period.
Telford held a 4-2 lead until the final five minutes of the game, when Billingham took advantage of two powerplays to draw level.
Parry added: “I’m not too disappointed, as we were 2-0 down at the start of the game and at that point we probably would have taken a draw. I thought we played well for the whole 60 minutes tonight.
“Things could have been different, of course. We’ve had a pretty poor 2016 and when things aren’t going your way, they’re not going your way. We had an empty net chance near the end, which missed by about an inch.
“I think Solway are probably favourites for that final play-off place now, but looking at our team at the start of the year, we are one of the true development teams.
“We’re judged on how many players we develop and a lot of guys have taken their opportunity and been able to move up to the EPL side, which is great to see.”
The Tigers NIHL are back in action on Sunday night, when they make the trip to face title-chasing Blackburn Hawks. (5.45pm).
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