Telford Tigers patient in search for extra firepower
TRS Telford Tigers will bide their time in the search for extra firepower – despite a weekend that saw them anchored to the bottom of the English Premier League standings.
A 5-3 loss at home to Bracknell Bees on Saturday was marked by the sacking of forward Joe Henry for gross misconduct.
And Sunday's 7-2 defeat at Peterborough Phantoms was Telford's second successive loss to the East Midlands outfit, following a 7-0 drubbing just weeks ago.
That relative struggle to build a substantial lead is a concern for player-coach Tom Watkins, although he is refusing to hit the panic button.
"As a coach, you are never happy with what happened, but you have to look around and see what is available," he said.
"You have to look at where to make moves, but we still had three dedicated forwards against Peterborough so it is early to talk of anyone.
"At this time of year there are not a lot of guys available, but we will keep track and see where we can make improvements. But there are constraints."
Patrick Greene, James Preece and Elliot Knell were the scorers for Telford on Saturday, while Knell and Tim Burrows struck against Peterborough.
Those losses mean Telford are now six points adrift of Sheffield in seventh place, albeit with two games in hand.
Watkins is, however, determined to draw positives from a disappointing weekend.
He added: "We had a strong third period against Bracknell and that was very pleasing. We had a chance but it is a shame they put the game to bed with that fifth goal.
"It was a similar case against Peterborough. We had good momentum and we were committed, but there were a few bad decisions which cost us twice."
Telford were again without three of their top British players this weekend with Tom Soar, Luke Brittle and Danny Rose all remaining on the treatment table.
The return of those players over the coming weeks and months will provide a useful boost for Telford's fortunes – and Watkins was keen to praise his side's travelling support at Peterborough.
"I really want to commend our fans on Sunday," he said. "They made more noise than the home fans and sang their hearts out throughout the game. I sometimes wish our team showed the same sort of passion."
Tigers must now prepare for another tough set of games next weekend, when they travel to Wiltshire to face Swindon Wildcats on Saturday and entertain the in-form Manchester Phoenix at home on Sunday (6pm).
