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Tigers put up brave effort against Flames
Despite missing five key players, Telford Tigers put up a valiant fight against the mighty Guildford Flames - and if not for a washed out goal might have finished even closer than the respectable 3-5 defeat.
With Saturday's trip to Swindon snowed off, all hopes for valuable points were pinned on a strong performance against Guildford, and Tigers did not disappoint.
Former Tigers Karl Creamer and Mark Hazlehurst stepped onto the team bench while player-coach Tom Watkins is suspended, and a trio of young locals - Adam Taylor, James Warman and Daniel Harrison - were called up to plug the gap caused by three players on GB duty and Ashley Stanton on the sick list.
And Tigers sent a ripple of unease through the Guildford camp with their opening goal from Scott McKenzie at 7:25, reminding the visitors that the small-budget side had beaten them in their last meeting.
Flames equalised and went ahead in the opening minute of the second period, but Tigers' tails stayed up and McKenzie levelled at 25:48 with a five-on-three powerplay goal.
A horrible lapse saw Guildford go ahead shorthanded and a sweet shot into the top corner gave Flames a 4-2 lead. However a powerplay slapshot from Joe Henry narrowed the gap at 38:50.
A stunning rebound goal early in the final period should have given man of the match McKenzie his hat trick and Tigers hope of another shock result over Guildford, but the goal was washed out as Hala's net was off its moorings.
Although the decision did not appear to weight too heavily on the team, the momentum did swing away from Tigers, as Guildford's skilled side added a safety goal in the 45th minute to seal a 5-3 win.
Afterwards, Tom Watkins said: "It was not good watching from the sidelines but I was immensely proud of the lads. They all played really well for each other.
"The young guys stepped up and acquitted themselves well, they kept going and believed in themselves for the full 60 minutes.
"We have five guys missing and they have a very talented roster, so to play that well against them and not look outclassed is something to be pleased about."
Mark Hazlehurst added: "Tom has put together a very organised team, and the guys know exactly what they are doing. But it is a change for them to have someone different vocalising from the bench.
"The team has gelled well and there is a lot of young talent there.
They play with a lot of commitment and determination. In fact, I don't think they realise how good they are.
"The lads finished their hits, they didn't get themselves into awkward situations, they just went out there and went for it."
Hazlehurst evidently enjoyed being back as part of the team, having spent a long career playing and coaching at Telford.
"It is nice watching the young lads making their impact on senior hockey. Some of those guys I trained when they were in under-10s or 12s and it is great to see them putting into practice all they've learned.
"It was nice to be part of hockey again. I've told Tom I will help out whenever my work and family commitments will allow. After all, I had the best seat in the house tonight."
Tigers take a much-needed Christmas break and return to action in Peterborough on December 29. The next home game is against Manchester Phoenix on Monday January 3.
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| 12th March 2006 19:00 | ||
5-3 |
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| 12th March 2006 19:00 | ||
4-5 |
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| 12th March 2006 19:00 | ||
1-4 |
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| 12th March 2006 19:00 | ||
4-4 |
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| 11th March 2006 19:00 | ||
2-4 |
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| 11th March 2006 19:00 | ||
| Club | GP | W | L | OL | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|
5-8 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
5-1 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
4-1 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
5-2 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
3-7 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
1-1 |
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| 19th March 2006 19:00 | ||
| Club | GP | W | L | OL | GF | GA | Pts |
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- Tigers make back room changes
- New 'old' look for Tigers
- Watkins signs with Tigers for third season
- Tigers lose influential player
- GB fixture for Tigers
