Rose the Overtime Hero for Tigers: Bristol Pitbulls v Autocraft Telford Tigers

Autocraft Telford Tigers played the second game of their two road game weekend against Bristol Pitbulls. Tigers had lost by one goal in Swindon the previous evening and had performed badly in the first period of the game in Wiltshire, conceding four goals which proved crucial as they lost to the league leaders.

Tigers once again conceded the first goal of the game. Harry Ferguson was sent to the penalty box for tripping, giving Bristol a power play chance. Tanner Butler took just seconds of the man advantage to score for the hosts.

Tigers hit back two minutes later. Rhodes Mitchell-King’s shot was saved by Bristol netminder Tommy Nappier but Joe Aston was on hand to score from the rebound.

Tigers then got a power play chance of their own when Reece Cochrane was called for delay of game. Patrick Brown sent a pass to David Thomson who was stood at the top of the left circle. Thomson hit a first time shot that flew past Nappier to give Telford the lead.

That lead lasted less than a minute though as Jake Bricknell struck back to level the game.

In the opening minute of the second period Telford regained the lead. A Danny Rose shot from distance beat Nappier. But Bristol hit back again with a delayed penalty goal from Bricknell.

Midway through the game Tigers had another power play chance when Jay King was called for hooking. But it would be Bristol that scored despite the numerical disadvantage, when Butler broke away to score.

Tigers started the third period chasing the game as they have done a lot lately but this time an early goal drew Telford level. Scott McKenzie continued his good form of late with Tigers’ fourth of the game.

With no further goals in regulation time, the game went to overtime.

Tigers sealed the victory in the second minute of the overtime period when McKenzie sent a pass across the circles to Rose who beat Nappier with a low shot to win the game for the visitors.

Final Score: Bristol Pitbulls 4 Autocraft Telford Tigers 5 (after overtime).

Scorers:  Danny Rose (2) Joe Aston, David Thomson and Scott McKenzie.

Man of the match: Scott McKenzie.

After the game Head Coach Tom Watkins, commented, “It’s a good feeling to pick up the win on the road and of course with it being a cup game as well it had that extra bonus.

"It’s a been long time since our first away win of the season (against Leeds) and hopefully tonight's win is something we can build on as we have done very well playing at home so we need to improve on the road.

"We need to transfer those performances every night and find the consistency. Perhaps it was an unlikely overtime winner in Danny Rose but he finished it like a 50 goal a season scorer and is one of the players that played at a solid level all weekend.”