Telford Tigers suffer narrow cup loss at Swindon Wildcats

Tigers were without the suspended Jonathan Weaver and also Tom Watkins, who was serving the first game of a two-match suspension for the infraction that saw the weekend league win at Blackburn wiped out.

In an even first period it was Tigers who struck first in the 19th minute with Joe Miller getting the goal after a pass from Ricky Plant.

But just 40 seconds later, Swindon equalised through Floyd Taylor, leaving the sides tied at the end of the period.

The second period started badly for the visitors with a goal in the 23rd minute from Swindon player coach Aaron Nell. Tigers responded in the 33rd minute with a power play goal from Warren Tait to level at 2-2.

Swindon then went ahead through a power play goal of their own from ex-Tigers player Phil Hill.

In the third period Tigers scored after just 28 seconds when Plant fired home to bring them level again.

However, it was Swindon who finished the game on top, with Chris Jones scoring the winner in the 55th minute.

Tigers pulled net minder Dennis Bell in the last minute but could not make the extra attacker count.

Coach Tom Watkins said: "I thought the guys were very unlucky not to get something from the game and deserved more. We competed and that’s the main thing.

"I can’t fault anybody. We worked hard all night and kept it close. On another night a bounce might have gone our way.”

Telford Tigers 1 are next at home on Sunday against Hull Pirates with a 6pm face off.