Dumas upbeat ahead of games

Tigers match" class="imageframe imgalignright" height="130" src="http://www.shropshirestar.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/daniel-croft.thumbnail.jpg" width="175"/>Boss Claude Dumas is confident that his GM Telford Tigers can capture some much-needed English Premier League points from two home games this weekend - despite an ever-increasing injury list.

Sheffield Scimitars are the visitors on Saturday, with Milton Keynes Lightning coming to Telford on Sunday (both 5.30pm).

Tigers, already playing short of two imports, are likely to be without injured Jake Armstrong again and will also be missing defenceman Daniel Croft, who has received an extended ban after being ejected from last week's match in Romford.

However, Dumas remains confident of his side's abilities, saying: "Sheffield want the two points and we want to catch them in the league, so this should be a good game.

However, Dumas remains confident of his side's abilities, saying: "Sheffield want the two points and we want to catch them in the league, so this should be a good game.

"They are a team that take their chances well and I expect them to come and play tight.

"We have beaten them twice this year already, so we just need to put in another strong defensive performance and stay out of the penalty box.

"The game against Milton Keynes last week (that went to penalty shots) was good for our confidence.

"They are one of the top teams in the league and I think they will be fired up and looking to pick up points.

"We have to try to slow them down and not give their quality players the space they want.

"We know we are capable of beating them because we have done it before, but we will need to be at our best to repeat that."

Sam Zajac was named last Sunday's man-of-the-match after coping well when his fellow defence were reduced by injury to Alex Symonds and Croft's expulsion.

"I was pleased with my personal performance, but I would rather have got a win for the team than man of the match for me," said the young Brit.

"It was a tough last 10-15 minutes. Gareth Owen and Ashley Stanton dropped back to help, but there was a lot of pressure on me and Stuart Bates in the final period."

Zajac believes the Shropshire lads still show lots of promise for the season's remaining games.

"Although Davey Lawrence has been facing a lot of shots in goal, the whole team has been playing well defensively in recent games," he said.

"We are going to be shorthanded now, but that means it is time to step it up.

"We have good players in Telford so I'm still confident about our chances. Two home wins would be very good this weekend."

Tigers are offering a special 'kids-4-a-quid' deal at both of this weekend's home games, allowing all children under 16 entrance for just £1 when accompanied by a paying adult.

By Caroline Garbett