Shropshire Star

Telford Tigers closing in on cup quarter-finals

The wait proved worthwhile for Telford Tigers who defeated Bracknell Bees 4-3 after a delayed start on Saturday night.

Published

The NIHL National Cup Group D fixture was meant to be the first of a double header but last night’s clash was called off. There was a delay of almost an hour from the original face off time due to the late arrival of the officials and the poor ice conditions. It took three attempts at resurfacing before the ice was deemed playable.

And when the action got under way Tigers opened the scoring in the second minute.

Brodie Jesson was sent clear on a break away and, although his shot was saved by Mettam in the Bees goal, he managed to retrieve the puck and find Scott McKenzie in front of goal, who made no mistake with the finish. Shortly after Ricky Plant hit the post.

The poor ice surface almost cost Tigers in the fifth minute when net minder Dennis Bell came out to play the puck only to see it take a crazy bounce off the boards and almost end up in the Tigers net.

The ice continued to cause problems and Bracknell drew level in the sixth minute.

Tigers were attacking and got caught out when an attempted shot got caught up in the ice, allowing Frankie Bakrlik a breakaway. Bell managed to save the initial shot but the rebound fell to Bakrlik for him to score.

Tigers responded in the 15th minute with a goal to retake the lead, McKenzie scoring his second of the night from Joe Miller’s pass.

The visitors started the second period with a five-on-three power play but could not add to their score. Both teams had chances but it was captain Jason Silverthorn who increased the Tigers’ lead in the 33rd minute with a controversial goal.

Bakrlik was down injured behind the Tigers’ goal but the referee waved play on and Tigers took full advantage with a break that saw Silverthorn collecting his own rebound to make it 3-1.

Bracknell took exception to this with Josh Martin and Silverthorn dropping the gloves straight after the goal was given.

Tigers got their 4th goal in the 36th minute, McKenzie tapping home from close range to complete his hat-trick. Just as Tigers appeared to be running away with the game, Bracknell’s Alex Barker broke away and scored with a low shot past Bell to cut the lead.

In the 44th minute Bracknell reduced Tigers’ lead further, when Bakrlik scored his second of the night with a powerful slap shot.

With Bracknell pushing for the equaliser, Tigers had several chances on the break but couldn’t beat Mettam. Despite late pressure from the Bees, Tigers saw the remainder of the game out