Coach bewildered by Telford Tigers' form

Success over the Flames on Sunday night followed the previous evening's 3-1 loss at Basingstoke.

It was a performance Watkins described as 'pathetic' and a defeat that finally killed off Telford's hopes of retaining their English Premier League championship.

But on the 12-month anniversary of that title win, the Tigers proved too strong for a Guildford outfit that could yet be crowned this year's champions.

Watkins said: "There were some really big performances from our players out there. The difference from the previous night kind of left us scratching our heads.

"The level of play was excellent and the finishing was fantastic. Joe Miller scored two sublime goals, Dan Davies showed great finishing and (Andrei) Makrov was excellent as well.

"Dale (White) scored a great goal, and it was a huge team effort from everyone, especially with five guys missing. It was a big performance and I am proud of the boys."

Guildford were first on the scoresheet on Sunday night with a goal after just four minutes, although neither team could take control of early proceedings.

Telford opened their account a few minutes later, thanks to a strike from Davies. He was on target again at the halfway point of the game, before Miller added a third on 37 minutes.

White extended the hosts' advantage just 60 seconds later, although Guildford hit back just before the interval.

But Miller was on hand almost straight away to give Telford a 5-2 cushion on the stroke of 40 minutes.

Makrov netted the Tigers' sixth goal of the night at the start of the final session, before adding their seventh and final score on 47 minutes.

Despite a late consolation goal from Guildford, Telford collected their second home win over the Flames this season.

Watkins added: "The first time we threw the youngsters on, they were up against two imports and a high-end Brit, but they did a fantastic job for us.

"They pinned them in their zone and they were all good. The three guys on our young line were excellent."

The second period proved key to Telford's success on Sunday, with four of their seven goals coming during that middle session – despite a string of penalties.

Watkins said: "I thought our energy in the second period was fantastic, but the catalyst for that was the penalty kill at the end of the first.

"That carried over after the break and I've said before that if you don't score on a five on three, it is going to be tough. Guildford didn't score for the amount of time they had that advantage.

"The boys dug in and that raised our spirits, perhaps with a bit of adversity from some of the calls against us."

The Tigers are back in action next weekend, when they travel to face Manchester Phoenix on Saturday, before hosting Sheffield Steeldogs at Telford Ice Rink the next day.

Meanwhile, Telford Ice Rink will play host to Manchester Phoenix's rearranged English Premier League game against Telford Tigers on March 9 (7.30pm).

Tigers NIHL coach Jason Parry is refusing to give up on his side's play-off ambitions after seeing them go down 4-3 to Billingham Stars at Telford Ice Rink.

A late goal almost handed Telford a point against the north-east outfit, as they fought back from 4-2 deficit at the halfway point of the final period on Saturday night.

But with just 12 seconds left to play after that third strike, the Tigers were unable to steal a draw from one of their chief rivals for a top-four spot.

Parry, whose side are now level on points with Billingham, believes there is still everything to play for ahead of the Moralee Conference play-offs.

He said: "I don't think the boys gave up all night. We saw that with the goal from James Smith, right at the end.

"It seems to be the Telford way that we never do things easily, so we'll need to beat Solihull here next week, then go to Billingham and take two points.

"We've got one game more to play than them, but we also have to watch out for Solway Sharks, who are coming up fast behind us with games in hand.

"There are still four games to go and one of them in Solway is for double points. There is a long way to go yet."

Telford took an early lead against Billingham on Saturday night, as Callum Bowley scored after just six minutes.

The visitors equalised and then took the lead with two quick-fire goals after the break.

Karol Jets pulled it back to 3-2 on 36 minutes, but a fourth Billingham goal in the third period appeared to have secured the points.

Parry removed netminder Denis Bell in favour of an extra forward late on, and was rewarded with that James Smith goal on 59 minutes.

He added:"I thought we played quite well. Billingham's two powerplay goals in the second period really cost us."

The Tigers NIHL play twice next weekend – Saturday night's visit of Solihull Barons to Telford Ice Rink and Sunday's trip to Billingham.

The match, originally scheduled for December 27, has been switched from Deeside Ice Rink – the venue for Manchester's home games this season – due to a lack of available ice time.

League rules mean the EPL encounter will be classed as a home game for the Phoenix – despite it taking place at the Shropshire rink.