Tom Watkins relieved as Telford Tigers' title hopes stay alive
Telford Tigers head coach Tom Watkins admitted he breathed ‘a huge sigh of relief’ after Jason Silverthorn kept their slim title hopes alive.
Silverthorn struck late to give the Tigers a 3-2 victory on their long trip to Whitley Warriors on Sunday night and remain three points behind leaders Sheffield Steeldogs with five matches of the NIHL Moralee Conference season to play.
Telford had travelled without a number of key players due to injury, so Watkins was relieved to get the win – especially after clawing their way back into title contention by beating second-placed Hull Pirates on Saturday.
“We got the two points which is huge at this stage,” said Watkins. “It was a really exciting game with edge of the seat stuff and I gave a huge sigh of relief when Silverthorn got the winner.”
Warren Tait and Ricky Plant had given the Tigers a 2-0 lead before the hosts clawed their way back to 2-2.
Watkins added: “We had a strong start to the second period taking a 2-0 lead but Whitley battled back. We created some good opportunities and eventually got our reward.”
