Tom Watkins pays tribute to Telford Tigers fans after Milton Keynes Lightning comeback win

Watkins' charges climbed off bottom spot with back-to-back wins against Berkshire Bees during the previous weekend and collected another pair of wins over Romford Raiders and Milton Keynes Lightning to catapult themselves into eighth. 

They currently sit five points clear of the foot of the table after a run of four wins on the spin and Watkins was pleased with how his team bounced back after staging a stunning comeback.

He said: "What a great night. We came from behind to tie the game to take it to overtime, have a chance to clinch it with a penalty shot but then bounce back to secure the win with an outstanding 2-on-1 rush. 

"It was fantastic to see the fans really appreciate the effort and endeavour of the team this evening. Show that energy and delight with the support they showed at the end of the game. 

"It was really great to see and very much appreciated. We dug deep tonight against a very good team and got better and better as the game went on. 

"A very solid third period and a very controlled possession based overtime period which we controlled very well to take the two points." 

Harry Ferguson had a goal ruled out during the first period after he pounced to catch Lightning net minder Jordan Hedley out of position but referee adjudged the Telford forward saw his effort chalked off for interference. 

Tigers remained unperturbed by that early frustration and opened the scoring early in the second period when David Thomson, fresh from his two goals the previous evening against the Raiders, added another to his tally. 

Thomson controlled the puck on the Lightning blue line, stick handled past two Milton Keynes defenders and shot through Hedley and into the net. 

But Lightning hauled themselves level midway into the period when the puck broke invitingly for Carter Hamill to slot a first time finish past Brad Day. 

Tigers fell behind with seconds of the second period remaining after Eric Henderson, who netted a hat-trick 24 hours earlier, was called for hooking. 

Milton Keynes made the most of their power play as Ross Venus hit a wrist shot over Day's glove and into the net to give Lightning the lead. 

With four minutes left on the clock, Telford's pressure paid off when Scott McKenzie fed Fin Howells in front of goal. His initial effort was saved by Hedley but Howells showcased his predatory instincts to bundle home the rebound. 

Day prevented Lightning from immediately restoring their advantage with a miraculous save to deny a looping effort from rippling his net. 

And Telford took full advantage of that late lifeline after taking the contest to overline. Hedley repelled Adam Harding from the penalty spot but Telford found the winner shortly after when Henderson converted past Hedley on the breakaway.