Hungry Telford Tigers find their form

Tigers bagged maximum points from two NIHL North Cup clashes, away to Blackburn Hawks on Saturday and then at home to Solway Sharks on Sunday.

Watkins’ charges had been forced to come from behind before securing a 4-2 success in Blackburn, but it was a different story on home ice the following day.

Tigers struck twice in the first period before sealing the game with three further unanswered goals in the second period on their way to a 6-1 triumph.

Watkins was impressed by his side’s start and the hunger on show.

“I was very pleased with our performance and result,” said Watkins.

“It’s a different game when you start well and are not chasing from being behind.

“I shook the lines up as don’t think we have found much chemistry so far this season. I thought we looked hungry and played with desire to win races and battles. I think that’s as fast as we have played all season.

“I think the scoreline flattered us a little as they created several good chances. Perhaps it was just a case of us being more clinical in front of goal.

“We’ll work hard this week to improve our defensive zone coverage heading into back-to-back games against Swindon.”

Tigers came flying out of the blocks against the Sharks and opened the scoring in the third minute. Good pressure from Dan Mitchell caused the puck to be turned over, leaving Jason Silverthorn to circle the net and pass to Mitchell who swept home.

The game was then broken up with both teams taking penalties. Tigers were given a five-on-three power play when Solway’s Peter Gapa was called for diving, closely followed by a bench penalty for having too many imports on the ice.

Tigers took full advantage when Scott McKenzie was found unmarked by a perfect pass from Joe Hazeldine, leaving McKenzie time to fire the puck into the top corner to make it 2-0.

Tigers dominated the second period and took control of the game with three goals scored in three minutes.

Jason Silverthorn started the goal-rush with a neat finish after good work from Andy McKinney. Silverthorn then added his second, firing home a rebound from close range after Corey Goodison’s initial shot was saved.

Solway then suffered some bad luck as Nick Oliver’s shot from the blue line was deflected past his own net minder by a defender’s stick.

The final period saw Tigers exert further pressure with Silverthorn and McKinney both hitting the post before Scott McKenzie added goal number six.

Gapa added a late consolation effort for the Sharks.