Telford Tigers in “Embarrassing” heavy defeat

Tigers recent run of good form had lifted them into the final playoff place and saw them gain a three point lead over nearest rivals Solway who they would face on Saturday.

Tigers’ previous game had seen them score a dozen goals although the team’s performance defensively was criticised by the coaching staff after they conceded six goals.

Peterborough’s rink was not a happy hunting ground for the Shropshire side who have lost on their previous two visits there this season. Tigers were dealt an injury blow for the game as Ross Connolly was unavailable and is likely to be out for a few weeks.

Tigers made a poor start to the the game and were on the back foot for most of the opening five minutes of the contest. So it was no surprise when the hosts took the lead. A pass out of the Tigers’ defensive zone was intercepted by Scott Robson who sent a pass to Cameron Hough to skate in on goal unopposed and shoot low past Brad Day.

A second goal was not far behind with more defensive woes for Telford as Phantoms captain Luke Ferrara skated through the middle of Tigers’ defense and beat Day with a wrist shot into the top corner of the goal to double the lead.

A dreadful first period was summed up for Telford with an unnecessary holding penalty by Harry Ferguson in the final thirty seconds. Peterborough scored their third goal on the subsequent power play. Day was caught out of position badly allowing Hough to score his second of the game with a shot from the right circle into the wide open net.

The second period did not bring any respite as within two minutes of the restart the Phantoms had a fourth goal. Rhodes Mitchell-King attempted to chip the puck out of the Tigers' defensive zone and saw the puck intercepted by Nathan Salam who skated towards goal and smashed the puck over Day's shoulder into the net.

Tigers managed to get on the scoreboard when James Smith set up David Thomson who scored with a well placed wrist shot.

But the home side added a fifth goal shortly after whilst on the power play. Ferguson was called for slashing allowing Salam to score his second of the game.

A further power play goal followed as Telford lost their discipline. Ferrara scored a tap in for Peterborough’s sixth goal.

Thomson scored a second for Telford with a superb finish in off the bar, although Peterborough scored a seventh goal before the period ended from Zaine McKenzie.

The third period wasn’t any better as Tigers conceded goal after goal. Janne Laakkonen scored an eighth goal for the home side which saw Day replaced in goal by Matty Byrne.

The Phantoms showed no mercy and scored again twice with both goals coming from Ferrara, taking his total in the game to four goals.

Mitchell-King pulled a goal back for Telford with a long range shot that appeared to be deflected in front of goal but Laakkonen and Austin Mitchell-King scored late on to seal an awful night for the visitors.

Final Score: Peterborough Phantoms 12 Autocraft Telford Tigers 3.

Scorers: David Thomson (2) and Rhodes Mitchell-King.

Man of the match: Scott McKenzie.

After the game Head Coach Tom Watkins, commented, “Firstly I would like to apologise to the travelling fans, I failed to acknowledge them at the end the game for which I’m sorry. I am always grateful for the support the fans bring and I hope everyone gets home safely.

"It’s a long way to travel to support us, it’s even more frustrating and disappointing to watch us play with zero energy, zero quality, zero grit and no physical play.

"A little bit of tenacity would have gone a long way in our performance but it was missing all night. We were second best in everything this evening, the players have let down the fans and embarrassed the club with their poor performance.”