Telford Tigers too strong for Chiefs

The Chiefs are sitting bottom of the table and are playing in Blackburn as they await the completion of their home rink at Elland Road. And they have recently had all their equipment stolen from their training facility while several experienced players have asked to be released from their contracts.

Having already beaten their hosts three times this season, Tigers once again showed them little mercy as they completed a fairly routine 4-2 success.

Tigers were missing Jonathan Weaver, Brandon Whistle, Ross Kennedy and Ollie Lord through injury, while Brad Day started in goal.

The first period was a very disjointed one, with both teams struggling to get their passing going. The only goal came in the ninth minute, Andy McKinney netting with a well-placed shot past ex-Tigers netminder Sam Gospel.

The hosts hit back to level at the start of the second period when Richard Bentham took advantage of some sloppy Tigers defending.

But that goal seemed to shake Tigers into life as they responded by retaking the lead 30 seconds later when Corey Goodison’s long-range shot beat Gospel.

Tigers added a third goal shortly after, James Smith scoring with a neat wrist shot.

And the visitors were firmly in charge just after the halfway mark when they added a fourth.

Ricky Plant was the man on target, finishing off a passing move between Jason Silverthorn and Dominik Florian.

Tigers looked to maintain possession and run the clock down during the third period and the tactic worked until the final five minutes when Adam Barnes pulled a goal back.

Leeds then removed Gospel from the goal to add an extra attacker, but Tigers defended resolutely to see out the game.

Head coach Tom Watkins declared himself satisfied with his side’s efforts.

“I’m pleased with the two points against a hard-working Leeds team,” he said.

“We got ourselves in another comfortable position at 4-1 and from there I would like us to kill the game off. We haven’t done that this season, perhaps a credit to the competitive nature of the league.”