Shropshire Star

Telford Tigers’ unbeaten run comes to an end in controversial fashion

A controversial late strike saw Telford Tigers’ unbeaten run in the Spring Cup ended with a 4-3 defeat to Sheffield Steeldogs.

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The first of a double-header between the sides saw Jason Phillips score what proved to be the winner for the visitors at Telford Ice Rink, five minutes from the end.

But Tigers and head coach Tom Watkins were left frustrated on Saturday evening as they felt the puck had not fully crossed the line.

“It was a really fast-paced, energised game of hockey with a lot of talent on show for both teams,” said Watkins.

“Both teams had some periods of the game where they were able to assert themselves and take control.

“I’m disappointed for our players to be on the losing side to a goal that is a little controversial as I don’t think anyone can be sure the puck fully crossed the goal line.

“I thought the team really grafted all night and didn’t deserve to lose.

“We had some great opportunities that we didn’t take advantage of which would have ultimately changed the game, but that’s hockey and you always have to look for a positive response from set-backs, which I think we got from everyone.”

Both teams went into this clash with a perfect record of six wins from six and Tigers were the first on the scoresheet, after just three minutes.

Ricky Plant deflected a pass into the path of Jason Silverthorn, who broke in on goal and cleverly slipped the puck to Ross Venus to find the empty net.

Sheffield did not let the setback deter them, though, and Brad Day could do nothing to prevent their equaliser.

Alex Graham arrived late on the attack, and his shot from the slot hit Tigers forward Kieran Brown and deflected into the net past Day.

Two minutes later, Sheffield took the lead as Ben O’Connor buried a shot low past Day, to put them 2-1 ahead at the break. A Jason Hewitt shot went in off Day to increase their lead shortly after the restart, too.

Tigers pulled a goal back midway through the period with a terrific move. Plant sent a hard pass towards goal and Silverthorn managed to deflect the puck with the blade of his stick into the roof of the net.

The hosts were then handed a chance to level the game with a five-on-three power play. Jonathan Weaver found David Clements, and he passed to Venus who scored from close range to level the game.

Sheffield, though, always looked dangerous and took the spoils.

Liam Kirk’s shot rebounded off Day before Phillips was judged to have scored from close range, leaving the Tigers irate.