Tigers sharpen their claws with cup win
Head coach Tom Watkins believes added sharpness in front of goal was the key to Telford Tigers' 9-3 win over Manchester Phoenix in the Red Hockey Cup.
Sunday's victory in Deeside followed a nail-biting 4-3 loss at Telford Ice Rink on Saturday night, as Watkins brought his pre-season programme to an end.
The Tigers supremo will apply the finishing touches during the coming week, ahead of opening league games against Sheffield Steeldogs and Swindon Wildcats.
But, with both teams sharing the spoils during a dramatic weekend, Watkins is now looking forward to the start of that English Premier League title defence.
He said: "The big thing for us on Sunday is that we put the puck in the net when we had the chance. Both teams had similar opportunities, but we took our chances better.
"We have had two weeks of hard work and blowing the cobwebs away. It was a good all-round performance and it will do a lot for confidence.
"It is encouraging to see we're doing the right things and making the right decisions. Overall, I am pleased with the way pre-season has gone."
Sunday night's game, played at Manchester's temporary Flintshire home, saw the hosts go ahead before Macaulay Heywood equalised moments later.
Dan Davies added a second for Telford on seven minutes, and Joe Miller netted with five minutes of the period remaining.
A frantic end to the first session saw strikes from Davies and Miller put Telford 5-1 up at the break.
Manchester scored just after the restart, before Telford turned up the heat with scores from Max Birbraer (2) and Dale White.
A late consolation goal from the Phoenix was followed by Miller completing his hat-trick.
Watkins added: "I thought we did a lot of good things. When you're playing a team back to back, you don't want to be blanked twice.
"It is a bigger ice pad in Deeside, but we stepped up and played well. It was great to see Max score twice and use that heavy shot of his in front of goal.
"Thomas Murdy was excellent in goal and, all round, it was a good game to watch."
Tigers' league campaign starts with a trip to Sheffield Steeldogs on Saturday, before they host Swindon Wildcats at Telford Ice Rink on Sunday (6pm).
Meanwhile, "We can get better with every game" is the rallying cry from Tigers NIHL chief Jason Parry following Sunday's 4-1 victory over Solihull Barons.
Telford's pre-season success at Hobbs Moat Road is believed to be Solihull's first home defeat in almost two years.
The win is ideal preparation for next weekend's opening Moralee Conference encounter – a trip to reigning champions Blackburn Hawks.
And Parry, who is overseeing this year's squad alongside Watkins, expects further improvements.
He said: "Beating Solihull is a great way to end pre-season and I think we can get better with every game.
"The new lads are settling in well and we were missing a few guys, with Macaulay Heywood and Dale White playing for the EPL team.
"But that is what this club is all about. When guys are going to the EPL team, we're giving others the chance to step up, and they're taking their chances.
"Callum Griffin did that. He scored a great goal and got man of the match. Denis Bell was excellent again in net. He must like playing against Solihull."
Telford went behind in the first period on Sunday byut strikes from Griffin and Adam Taylor put them ahead, before further goals from Ben Washburn and Callum Bowley.
The Tigers NIHL start their league season away to Blackburn next Sunday, before hosting Whitley Warriors at Telford Ice Rink on September 19 (6pm).
