TRS Telford Tigers show fighting spirit
TRS Telford Tigers narrowly missed out on claiming the scalp of the early EPL pacesetters over the weekend - and boss Tom Watkins insists his side are close to beating the league's top sides.
A 5-3 loss at Slough Jets on Saturday night was followed on Sunday by a 3-1 defeat to current champions Manchester Phoenix.
Both games were played away from home, as work continues to refurbish Telford Ice Rink, with the side currently training 50 miles away in Solihull.
But Telford presented a substantial threat throughout the weekend - and Watkins has taken considerable encouragement from those performances.
He said: "We are a good hockey team and defensively, we are very strong. We had a few missing, which does make a difference, but we are moving forwards and are improving.
"We are only practicing once a week in Solihull, so it is very pleasing to see a lot of character from the guys. We have a got a very good attitude and it is only a matter of time before we start turning these results into wins.
"This is the best side I have coached in Telford."
Patrick Greene bagged a braced in Slough, alongside a single strike from James Preece. Luke Brittle, meanwhile, was the scorer for the TRS Telford Tigers in Manchester.
Watkins added: "We practiced our powerplays, but we couldn't convert them, and then conceded a couple of goals. That made a big difference, but I am pleased with the way we took it to them, but we didn't get the bounce.
"I am delighted with the effort shown by the guys and how they responded to keep on pushing. It was really pleasing to see."
One of the highlights of both games was Telford's travelling support, which swelled to over 50 for Sunday's encounter in Altrincham.
Many supporters are taking advantage of the lack of home ice to bolster the club's away following - and Watkins wants that to continue.
"I don't think there are many other teams with the travelling support that we have," he said.
"The only way fans can get their hockey fix is on the road, and we have got a great bunch of guys who will be noisy - even if there is only a few of them.
"They have put a lot of work into this club, to make sure there is a Tigers in Telford. Without them we wouldn't be here and it gives the players such a buzz to hear the Tigers roar away from home."
Watkins will now look to continue gelling his squad, ahead of this Saturdays trip to face the Swindon Wildcats, faceoff 5:45pm.
