Telford Tigers will turn their attention to next weekend’s play-off quarter-final clash with Milton Keynes Lightning, following Sunday night’s 7-4 loss to Swindon Wildcats.
Defeat at Telford Ice Rink followed a similar performance against basement side Bracknell Bees on Saturday night, when they won 6-5 after overtime.
Those results mean the Tigers finish the English Premier League season fourth in the standings, ahead of next weekend’s play-off encounter with the Lightning, after third-placed Guildford elected to play Swindon.
Watkins said his players failed to capitalise on an encouraging performance in the early exchanges against on Sunday night.
“We got a good start and went two-nil up in the first period, but were lacklustre after that,” he said.
“We were indisciplined through the neutral zone and poor in defence. The guys weren’t good in their battles and that cost us tonight.”
The Tigers were, in fact, 2-0 up after just seven minutes, thanks to goals from Sam Zajac and Adam Taylor, before Swindon struck on nine minutes.
The Wildcats equalised at the start of the second period, although Telford restored their one-goal advantage five minutes later, with a goal from Blaho Novak.
Swindon again drew level on 28 minutes, as both sides cancelled each other out in that middle session.
The start of the final period saw the visitors score twice in two minutes to take a 5-3 lead, but Telford halved that advantage through Danny Rose on 49 minutes.
The Wildcats dominated the closing stages of the game, however, scoring twice in the final two minutes to secure victory.
Watkins added: “It was good to see some of the youngsters get decent ice time, but it was overall a disappointing performance.
“After Saturday, we asked everyone for an improved showing. Tonight wasn’t about the result, but about trying to do the little things right.
“We didn’t get anywhere near that against Swindon.”
The Tigers will play the second leg of their play-off quarter-final at home next Sunday, with the away leg in Milton Keynes on Saturday (7pm).
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