Tigers strengthen grip on league with win over Lightning

Tom Watkins was happy to see his Tigers players use their physical strength to good effect in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Milton Keynes Lightning.

Victory at Telford Ice Rink means the Tigers are three points clear at the top of the English Premier League, as the front-runners begin to take shape.

Sunday’s game followed a similarly dramatic 5-4 win in Sheffield on Saturday, giving Telford their third four-point weekend of the season.

And Watkins believes his men were rewarded for a fine physical display against Milton Keynes on Sunday evening,

He said: “It was nice to see us be physical tonight, as we didn’t really do that at all on Sheffield on Saturday.

“It’s all about keeping a simple process and giving some keys for the guys to follow. Being physical and blocking shots is an absolute must for us.

“It was exciting, fun to watch and quite similar to the game we played against them in Milton Keynes a couple of weeks ago.

“There was lots of intensity from both sides, not much ice for guys to play in and I am sure it was good to watch.”

The game started with neither side troubling the scorers in the first period, before Sam Oakford opened the scoring for Telford at the halfway point of the game.

Matty Davies extended that advantage on 38 minutes, but Milton Keynes hit back before the break.

Tigers captain Jason Silverthorn made it 3-1 at the start of the final session, although the Lightning hit back just moments later.

And with time running out, the visitors pulled their netminder in favour of an extra forward in the search for an equaliser.

But Telford held on to give themselves their first regular time victory in four games.

Watkins added: “I like the look of the line with Ricky Plant, Joe Miller and Phil Hill on. I think the average age is about 35, but as a group they know how to play.