Telford Tigers survive huge scare to clinch crucial win

Eric Henderson netted a hat-trick as the Tigers followed up Saturday’s road win in Bristol with a 7-5 home victory which cut the gap to eighth-placed Solway Sharks to a single point.

Henderson scored twice in the final eight minutes after visitors Peterborough had threatened to pull off an extraordinary comeback, having recovered from 5-0 down to tie the match 5-5 early in the third period.

A relieved Watkins said: “It was a great result for us, in the end!

“I’ve got to mention the support from the fans this evening, at a time when we needed it the most.”

The Tigers had appeared to be cruising to victory after a dominant opening period, in which they took the lead after just 19 seconds, David Thomson drilling a low effort beyond Luke Clark in the Peterborough goal.

Scott McKenzie doubled the lead after following in on the rebound, with Devon Skolevski then getting his name on the scoresheet, shooting high into the net.

Controversy surrounded the home side’s fourth goal. Harry Ferguson’s shot crept under Clark and though the visiting team complained the puck had gone through the side of the net, which had become detached from the posts, the officials awarded the goal after consultation.

When Henderson made it 5-0 in the opening minute of the second period the game looked to be over but continued penalties cost Telford dear, as the Phantoms took advantage of numerous power play opportunities.

Goals from Tom Norton and Louie Kynaston started the comeback, before an after the whistle incident involving goaltender Brad Day and McKenzie saw two players sent to the bin.

Nathan Salam took advantage to further reduce the deficit and when Janne Laakkonen and Jasper Foster scored either side of the break, the game was back level.

But with momentum against them, the Tigers wrestled it back when Peterborough themselves fell foul of the officials to set up a five-on-three powerplay.

Henderson restored Telford’s advantage and then, with two minutes to play, completed his hat-trick to seal the win.

Watkins said: “We got a good start in the first period with four unanswered goals and took a five goa at the start of the second period. 

“From there we were very poor, only generating two shots on goal in the second period and taking unnecessary penalties, something that we have identified being an issue. 

“We can’t be taking so many stick-related penalties and certainly not in the offensive zone.  

“I think we took three or four minor penalties in the offensive zone tonight, it puts us under pressure and means you have to shorten the bench and fatigue becomes an issue. You give good players those opportunities and they will punish you.

“We showed good composure in the third period especially when they had tied the game at 5-5, we were smart and kept doing the little things well. It was a hard fought win to seal a much needed four-point weekend.”