More wanted at Tigers despite another win

Telford's success in Berkshire means they are 13 points clear of second-placed Guildford, with just nine games of the English Premier League season remaining.

But victory wasn't without a fair degree of drama, as the Tigers struggled to secure a reliable foothold against bottom of the table Bracknell.

Watkins was happy just to collect two valuable points, as he focuses on winning the club's first league title in 27 years.

He said: "We came away with the points and that is the biggest thing for me. The game was tight all the way through and at just 1-0, I felt we needed to go with three lines.

"Once we created a bit more offence, I made sure we used all four lines again."

Martin Ondrej's strike was the only goal of the first period, with Bracknell threatening to stage an upset with an equaliser.

Telford's dominance showed in the third session, however, with Jason Silverthorn, Rupert Quiney and Max Bribraer all scoring to secure victory.

"We got a goal on the first shift of the third period and that made all the difference," Watkins said. "From there, we scored two more goals, but we can play better."

The Tigers return to on Saturday, when they host Manchester Phoenix in a dress rehearsal of the British Challenge Cup final (6pm).

Meanwhile, Tigers' NIHL side have cause for celebration after clinching promotion from the Laidler Conference at the first attempt.

Sunday's 5-2 victory over Widnes Wild means Telford can finish no lower than third in the standings, following an impressive start to life in the National Ice Hockey League.

EIHA rules state that four teams must be promoted to the Moralee Conference this year, following last summer's reorganisation of the NIHL.

But assistant coach Jason Parry insists the champagne will be left on ice, as he looks to steer his side to a guaranteed second place.

He said: "It has been a huge success, getting promotion. But with six games left, plus the play-offs, the job isn't done yet. I want us to keep going and get second place.

"Solihull are sewn on to win the league and have been for most of the season, so to get second would feel like a win.

"I didn't want to put any expectations on the guys at the start of the season, but they have all improved. Not just as players, but they've matured as men, which is great to see."

Sunday's encounter – Telford's second home game of the weekend – saw the hosts take an early lead, thanks to goals from Karol Jets, Ben Washburn and Joe Aston.

Widnes hit back at the start of second period, before James Smith restored Telford's advantage.

A second goal from Smith after the break secured victory, while Widnes snatched a consolation goal four minutes later.

On Saturday, Tigers beat Nottingham Lions 5-2 thanks to strikes from Joe Aston, James Smith (2) Karol Jets and Matthew Price