Laidler Match Report: Telford Tigers 5 - Sheffield Senators 0

Despite a solid team performance Sheffield Senators went down 5-0 to Telford Tigers in the NIHL Laidler Conference last night. The first period was very much like last week’s encounter in that there was little to choose between the teams but it was Telford who went into the period break in front by the odd goal. It looked likely that the second period would start all square but Telford broke out from their defensive zone to score on 19.14 through James Smith. It was harsh on Senators in fairness who had more than matched their opponents in every department.

Senators started the period strongly and put Telford under some sustained pressure but it wasn’t falling for them and they can consider themselves very unfortunate not to have scored. Maybe on another day the goals would have flowed but credit to Tigers for a stubborn display in defending their lead which was increased when they countered on the powerplay to score against the run of play. Karol Jets was on hand to finish of a good move 32.01. It’s arguable that Sens maybe should have dealt with the situation a little better but Tigers took their chance when it came. This lifted Telford who went on to enjoy what turned out to be their best spell of the game in which they played some nice hockey and looked comfortable on the puck. They were making life difficult for a hard working Senators team who were up against it going into the final period after Tigers added another couple of goals to make it 4-0 at the end of the second. It could have been worse had it not been for a miraculous save from Sens netminder Mark Hartley however two excellent goals; the first from Bradley Betteridge on 33.35 with James Smith adding his second on 37.56.

Credit to Senators, they didn’t give up and once again outshot their opponents but they were thwarted once again by Dennis Bell in Telford’s goal who was pushed all the way for his shutout. As Senators pressed forward for a goal whilst on a powerplay Telford once again broke out and with no defensive cover Mark Hartley was given no chance as Karol Jets & James Smith exchanged passes with Karol Jets finally shooting to score to make it 5-0 timed 52.52. Despite both teams best efforts there was no further scoring to leave an unlucky Senators with no reward for what their hard work deserved. They lost to a good team though in Telford Tigers who made the most of their chances when they came and are clearly destined for promotion. They are a well organised, well drilled and talented team that will be hard to beat.

Final Score: Telford Tigers 5 Sheffield Senators 0

Report by Phil Holden
Photo courtesy of www.tigershockeyuk.com