Doug Clarkson on cloud nine as Telford Tigers defeat Blackburn Hawks

It took Clarkson’s tally for the NIHL Moralee Division to an incredible 49 goals. Jonathan Weaver and man of the match Adam Taylor both netted twice, while Tigers’ other goal came from Jason Silverthorn.

The win saw Tigers remain in second place in the league – a point behind leaders Sheffield with a game in hand.

And coach Tom Watkins was delighted with his free-scoring side’s performance against a Sutton side who were promoted to the NIHL Moralee Division last season and had performed admirably in the league so far.

“It was a good performance from the guys, we were clinical in front of goal and moved the puck well,” said Watkins.

“We came through the game without any injuries which is important, we were able to focus on certain areas plus we were able to get everyone in the game all night.

“I’d like to see us make improvements on the penalty kill as we’re giving up goals and that must improve. “

Tigers were handed a chance to open the scoring with an early power play when Stanislav Lascek was awarded a high sticking penalty. Tigers made Sutton pay with Warren Tait passing from behind the goal to Clarkson who scored from close range.

Tigers added a second and third goal in quick succession shortly after. Firstly, Ricky Plant set up Silverthorn to score with a shot that went through Warren Gilfoyle and then Taylor scored with a shot from a tight angle.

Sutton were given a power play chance in the 12th minute and got a goal back – but Tigers went into the break 5-2 up after goals from Clarkson and Weaver.

Tigers opened the second period in similar fashion to the first period. Clarkson scored his second goal of the game with a shot from behind the Sutton net that was banked in off Gilfoyle.

Sutton reduced the deficit but Tigers responded with a seventh goal and a hat-trick goal for Clarkson with the big Canadian import forward showing excellent stick handling skills before Weaver scored with a wrap around goal, to give Tigers an 8-2 lead at the end of the second period.

Tigers added two further goals in the third period both coming from Clarkson, the first set up by Warren Tait on the power play.