Tigers captain Tomas Janak thanked the fans for the vocal support that helped his side to their first win in eight games – a 4-3 home success over soaring Slough Jets.

“It makes a massive difference to hear the support from the crowd,” said the Telford club’s man of the match Janak.

“The last couple of games have not been good and we can only apologise for that. But hopefully the win makes up for it and encourages everyone to come and shout for us again tonight against Sheffield Steeldogs and next Saturday.”

In a nail-biting clash at Telford Ice Rink, Tigers showed great determination to take the first period 1-0 thanks to Scott McKenzie, back from injury earlier than expected and straight back into goal-scoring form.

Nathan Salem made it 2-0 at 27:52, assisted by Luke Brittle and Ross Hanlon.

Martin Clarkson kept a clean sheet for over half the game before being beaten by former Coventry Blaze skipper Adam Calder with a powerplay goal at 32:48.

Tigers struck back swiftly with a rare goal from defenceman Daniel Croft. Sent away by Clarkson he covered the length of the ice to fire the puck in and wrap up the period 3-1.

Slough narrowed the gap again by scoring on a delayed penalty early in the third but, again, Tigers nosed ahead with a well-taken goal from Ashley Calvert in the 50th minute.

Jets made it 4-3 at 56:30, setting up a tense finale as they pressed for the equaliser that never came as Tigers hung on by their fingertips to take a much-needed two points.

Sadly it had been a different story on Saturday as the team went down 9-3 in Swindon.

Tigers took the lead through Tom Watkins at 5:06, but the Wildcats hit back with two goals to take a slim lead into the first break.

Luke Brittle equalised in the opening minute of the middle session, but the hosts hammered home six goals to put the game out of reach of the Shropshire lads.

Swindon took their tally to nine in the final period, with Scott McKenzie adding one in consolation on a tough night for Tigers.

By CAROLINE GARBETT