Telford Tigers net home win - match highlights
Telford Tigers will be hoping they have turned a corner in the chase for an EPL play-off spot after securing a tightly-fought 1-0 victory over Swindon Wildcats.
A strong defensive display from the Shropshire outfit last night lifted them to within three points of ninth-placed Peterborough Phantoms.
And with his squad now displaying the prowess of a side in the higher echelons of the league, Tigers coach Tom Watkins is determined to retain momentum.
He said: "You always have to be confident in ice hockey and we are getting tighter all the time.
"In the last nine periods, we have only given up four goals, whereas we were shipping a lot of goals.
"A lot of work has gone into the team from everybody and we are gradually turning a corner."
Sunday's encounter began with Telford having to defend against barrage of physical play from the visiting Wildcats.
Timo Kuuluvainen almost found himself on the scoreboard within seconds of the start, as a rasping shot rebounded off the goal post.
Callum Bowley, meanwhile, was denied by a superb glove save from Swindon's Stevie Lyle as the home side piled on the pressure.
That intensity was rewarded in the second period when constant forechecking from Mikka Kiviranta gave Adam Walker the chance to score from close range.
The Scotsman's goal, on 35 minutes, was assisted by Kiviranta and Kuuluvainen.
With such a slender lead to defend, Telford faced an onslaught during the final 20 minutes as Swindon searched for an equaliser.
Declan Ryan illustrated his fine return to form with several vital saves in the Telford goal, while a late penalty extinguished any lingering threat from the visitors.
Watkins added: "Swindon came out hard, but we had some good exchanges early on and we dominated much of the first period. We could have gone ahead when Timo hit the post
"With not having played yesterday, you can sometimes worry about the players' legs and energy, but they started well and kept up that level throughout the game.
"It is always nice to get the first goal and to win 1-0 shows a lot of commitment. We shut down their top line and I am really pleased with how our defence bought into that. Ultimately, Declan got his shut-out, which was great."
Telford now have a week to regroup as they prepare for a trip to Milton Keynes Lightning on Saturday, before the visit of Slough Jets on Sunday (5.30pm).
