Slow start condemns Telford Tigers to another defeat

The Tigers found themselves 3-0 down early in the second period and though they almost fought back to take something from the night, Watkins conceded they had left themselves too much to do after falling to a fourth-straight National League loss.

He said: “We can’t give a team a three-goal start, we know that much. 

“It wasn’t like we were up against it the whole of the first period, the difference between the two teams was they were more clinical with their finishing on the night and their goalie made some big saves.”

The Tigers were missing key players with David Thomson, Ross Connolly and skipper Scott McKenzie all unavailable for Saturday evening’s trip to Cambridgeshire.

After an even first 10 minutes, a crucial call went against Telford as Fin Howells was called for a harsh high sticking penalty giving Peterborough a power play from which Jarvis Hunt broke the deadlock.

Within three minutes, the lead was doubled. Cam Hough shot low to Brad Day’s right with the Telford netminder Day unsighted by his own defender.

The first intermission offered a chance to regroup but very quickly the Tigers found themselves in an even deeper hole. An ill-advised pass by Harry Ferguson was pounced on by Janne Laakkonen who accepted the gift and hammered his shot past Day.

Late in the period Telford gained a lifeline. Howells found Vladimir Luka and he sent a first time shot into the net.

The Tigers pushed hard to further reduce the deficit but they were caught out by a goal from Luke Ferrara which seemingly ended the contest with 12 minutes left.

Yet two quick goals brought the visitors roaring back. Jason Silverthorn netted his first of the season, before 30 seconds later a long-range shot from Rhodes Mitchell-King set up a grandstand finish. Despite throwing everything at Peterborough in the closing stages, Telford could not find a leveller.

Watkins said: “For two periods we were the better team, we out shot them 51 to 31.

“We played at a good level, showed spirit to keep pushing and give ourselves a chance to tie the game up late on. It is really frustrating not to get something. We have to learn from that first period and manage the puck and the game much better.”