Title race going to the wire for Telford Tigers

Tigers are one of three teams tied on 62 points with two games of the NIHL North Moralee Conference season to go.

Watkins takes his side to table-toppers Hull Pirates on Saturday evening knowing defeat would end their title bid.

But win and they could be crowned champions at home to old rivals Solihull Barons on Sunday (6pm) – as long as third-placed Sheffield Steeldogs lose one of their last two games. Defending champions Steeldogs, who won an overtime clash in Telford last weekend, go to fourth-placed Solway before hosting Hull on Sunday.

“From the point of view of the fans and the league, it’s going to be a very exciting finish,” said coach and general manager Watkins.

“A lot of hard work and effort have gone into getting us where we are now and we want to finish the job.

“But I’m looking forward to it and the guys are too. It’s exciting to be part of such a close finish.

“I think the pressure is on Hull with them having a very good roster and being at home.

“But I like our record there and we won on our last visit. We have been in similar situations to this before.

“All we can do is win our games and then see what happens.”

Sheffield, Telford and Hull have 62 points from 34 games.

When three sides are level, the next tie break is points in games between tied teams, which currently has the trio all with eight. The next deciding factor is goal difference between the tied teams.

However, if two clubs finish on the same points, the head to head record is used to decide who finishes higher.

If either Sheffield or Hull win both games, then they are champions. If Telford win both games they need Sheffield to drop at least a point.

Currently in the individual head to heads Sheffield have the tie break over Telford and their season series is done. Telford lead Hull two games to one.

Tigers are without the suspended Andy McKinney and, having lost star forward Doug Clarkson a few weeks ago, Watkins admits they have had to alter their approach.

“We have played a simple and more direct system,” admitted Watkins.

“Over the last three or four weeks we have been much improved defensively.

“The fact that we have lost two key attacking players means we can’t concede four or five goals a game. If we do, we won’t win.”