Telford Tigers gave "everything" in overtime defeat to Leeds Knights

But Kieron Brown scored his second of the match in overtime to guide Leeds to victory.

“I think we gave it everything tonight, the team played really hard, really physical. We stuck to the plan and stuck to our systems," head coach Watkins said.

"It’s great to see the time spent at practice make a difference in a game. We found ourselves two behind but we kept our composure, belief and played probably our best second period all season to cut that deficit and when we equalised late in the game I thought it was very well deserved. 

"There’s key moments in games and you need to be really good in those moments to make a difference, we kept the momentum for long periods and played with lot of attention to detail.  

"Both goalies were outstanding this evening, both played really well and were composed. We now have one point on the board and will go to Leeds aiming to get more.”

Hosts Telford fell behind inside the first two minutes when Jordan Buesa deflected a pass from Mac Howlett beyond the reach of Brad Day. 

Tigers continued to pressure Sam Gospel in the Leeds goal but found themselves two goals down when Brown capitalised on a power play to slot the puck into the top corner. 

They were able to halve the deficit in the second period when Rose's shot from the blue line whistled past Gospel, who was distracted by James Smith being stood in front of him. 

Aston levelled proceedings when he received Adam Harding's pass from the bottom of the right circle, controlled the puck superbly and beat Gospel with a powerful effort. 

But Leeds restored their lead five minutes before the end of the period when Oli Endicott broke through on goal to finish low into the corner. 

Gospel was in fine form between the sticks for Leeds, repelling a series of attacks, and Telford suffered another blow when Smith was forced off through injury. 

He was replaced by Tom Byrne, who made an immediate impact when he set-up the goal which sent the game to overtime. 

Byrne maintained possession in Leeds' defensive zone and unleashed a shot towards goal. Ferguson was perfectly placed and deflected the pluck beyond Gospel to bring another dramatic twist to an enthralling game. 

But Telford, who gained a vital point, would reap no further reward for their endeavours, as Leeds stole victory in overtime. 

A bad line change ultimately cost Tigers when Brown was sent through on goal unopposed to score the winner for Leeds.

Next, Telford will travel to Leeds to round off the first weekend of the play-offs, as they aim to strengthen their chances to reaching the 'Final Four' in Coventry.