Shropshire Star

Tom Watkins wants Telford Tigers to move on from defeat

Head coach Tom Watkins has challenged his Telford Tigers side to respond after their surprise home defeat to Milton Keynes Lightning

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Table-topping Tigers lost 6-3 on Sunday night but still hold a six-point advantage over second-placed Swindon Wildcats in the NIHL National Division.

Andy McKinney, Scott McKenzie and Joe Aston netted for the home side but Lightning were able to record their second victory over Tigers this season.

Watkins said: “I certainly can’t fault our effort and desire. Despite the loss, I thought we really put in a shift.

"We didn’t get the win we wanted but we stepped up our game after a slow start in the first period and played with a great energy backed up by the Tigers fans.

"Special teams weren’t in our favour and the powerplay was simply not good enough, which I think was a big difference to the outcome.

"I felt we limited Milton Keynes to a couple of chances which they scored on, where we weren’t good in front of their net. That’s hockey, it happens.

"We’ve had a great season to date and I think we’ve squeezed a huge amount out of this group this far.

"We’ll regroup, rest for a few days, enjoy the new year and aim to bounce back next weekend.

"I thought young Massimo Agostini played very well and made some big saves, none bigger than the break away save on (Liam) Stewart.

"They're his first minutes this season and I’m very pleased he was able to make a positive impact.”

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