Defence improves – it's the Gospel truth
Telford Tigers chief Tom Watkins praised an improved defensive display from his men after they secured their second shut-out in as many weeks with victory over Hull Pirates.
Sunday's 3-0 success on Humberside followed a 4-0 win in Milton Keynes the week before.
It confirms Telford's improving status as having one of the tightest rearguards in the English Premier League.
Only two teams, Peterborough and Basingstoke – first and second in the league standings – have conceded fewer goals this season than the Tigers.
Both wins were backstopped by youngster Sam Gospel, but with highly-rated netminder Tom Murdy also in the ranks, Watkins believes improvements are showing across his squad.
He said: "It's good for Sam, but the whole team has been playing much better defensively over the last few weeks.
"It's great to have another clean sheet, but it's also about the five guys in front of him.
"They're all managing the puck well at the moment, making good decisions and not giving up odd-man rushes. Sunday's effort was a good all-round effort from the whole team."
The win at Hull came after goals from Peter Szabo and Blaho Novak gave the Tigers a 2-0 lead at the end of the first period.
A goalless second session was followed by another strike from Szabo after the break – his fifth of the weekend, after scoring a hat-trick in Saturday's win 7-3 over Bracknell Bees.
Watkins added: "I'm really happy with how we controlled the game and gave up very few shots. It's all about doing the right thing and making the right decisions all night long.
"Blaho had a slow start to the year, but he's played really well over the last few weeks and adds a lot to our offence. Having those depth guys is really important to us – and helps with our energy levels.
"He's a hugely important member of this team and likes to play aggressively when he needs to."
The Tigers now have an extended festive break from action, after their games scheduled for December 26 and 27 were postponed.
The home match with Hull Pirates, originally set for Boxing Day at Telford Ice Rink, has been moved to January 6 (7.30pm).
And the planned trip to Manchester Phoenix on December 27 at Deeside Ice Rink has also been delayed until the new year.
Tigers next play on New Year's Day, at Milton Keynes Lightning, before hosting Manchester in Telford the following day (6pm).
Meanwhile, on the debit side Telford forward Dan Davies will have surgery on an injury this week. He is likely to be missing from the line-up for up to six weeks.
