Telford Tigers sting Sutton to increase lead at the top

Tigers won 10-2 the last time the sides met and they hit double figures again, returning from Ice Sheffield with a 10-3 success.

Second-placed Sheffield Steeldogs' game against third-placed Hull was postponed due to issues with the ice surface, allowing league leaders Tigers to increase their advantage.

Tigers lined up without Dan Mitchell and Jason Silverthorn through injury but were able to add Joe Hazeldine after he returned from international duty.

Sutton have improved as a team this season and the first period saw a close game and only two goals.

Tigers took the lead in the 10th minute, Doug Clarkson scoring from a pass from Scott McKenzie. Six minutes later McKenzie made it 2-0 after being set up by Ricky Plant.

The second period saw Tigers score goals at will. In the 24th minute Jack Watkins scored Tigers’ third and was quickly followed by strikes from Brodie Jesson and Andy McKinney.

As the game reached the halfway stage, McKenzie added his second of the night to make it 6-0. Joe Aston then added a seventh goal after being set up by McKenzie and Plant.

With the assist of Aston’s goal, McKenzie took his total of points for the evening to six.

Tom Hovell’s bid for a shutout was ruined in the 35th minute after Sutton’s Dominic Martin scored from close range.

As the period reached the final minute, Jonathan Weaver scored Tigers’ eighth goal to end the period in complete control.

The third period saw four more goals, with two goals scored by each team. In the 48th minute Adam Taylor scored Tigers’ ninth of the night.

Sutton hit back with a goal from Kieron Brown before Clarkson, who netted five in the previous encounter, added his second.

The final goal of the game was scored as the game entered the final two minutes with Sutton’s Craig Elliot finidng the net.

Coach Tom Watkins said: “We scored some good goals and really started to play in the second period and moved the puck well.

"We really have got to improve on our play away from the puck and make sure we’re tough to break down.

"Defensively we can get better and play with more commitment to our defensive responsibilities. We gave up some soft goals last week against Solway and shouldn’t have conceded three.

"The old saying is spot on – offence wins games and defence wins championships.”