A determined Bulldogs, with a very short bench, opened in determined
style, frustrating Widnes with strong defence. Wild eventually found a chink in
the armour, when Chris Preston worked the puck from the corner to provide Tom
Revesz with a tap in goal at 7.51. Filip Supa was next on the scoresheet. As he
broke clear his opponent slipped giving the Wild top scorer a chance to fire
high into the top left corner at 13.23. Good work in the corner by Bobby Caunce
saw him feed Kieron Strangeway who crashed the puck beyond Jake Higham into the
top corner.
The hardworking Chris Preston was next to score, firing high from a
rebound at 16.22. The first period scoring was completed at 19.52 when a
Strangeway sho was half stopped but crept over the line.
The second period saw a far more physical approach from Bradford. Pavel
Vales skated superbly from his own goal
but was foiled by netminder, Higham. The game was becoming nigglyas
Bradford battled back into the game. They were unlucky when a shot ricocheted
off Ruxton's left post. Wild went further ahead when a Bobby Caunce shot
bounced out to Lee Pollitt who shot home from distance at 29.47. Frustration
set in and after a scuffle in front of the Bradford net, several players were
sent to the bin for roughing. Within a minute, Wild went further ahead - Kieron
Strangeway crashing home a hat trick goal. Another Wild goal followed within
seconds, Filip Supa blasting home from distance. The eighth home goal saw a net
change, young Josh Benstead replacing Ruxton. He was soon in action making
vital saves to keep Bradford at bay.
Widnes started the third period in more determined mood. Numerous
attacks were repelled by Higham saves but at 54.39 a patient build up allowed
Pavel Vales and Tom Revesz to feed Chris Preston to follow up and flick the
puck high into the net At 56.04 Tom Revesz created an opportunity for Bobby
Caunce to fire high into the net. Inside a minute Shaun Dipnall had fed Filip
Supa who finished expertly for an eleventh goal. At 57.09 Dipnall created
another chance for Lee Pollitt to find the net. Ben Brown wrapped up the scoring at 57.37 - tapping in after Revesz had created another
opening. The goal flurry during the last six minutes , gave Widnes their
highest ever winning margin but against a much weakened but game Bradford team.
Numerous scoring chances were spurned and they managed a clean sheet after
Bradford had twice rattled the pipes. There was plenty of effort from all the
home players but they will face more difficult challenges in the coming weeks.
Kieron Strangeway won the MVP for a fine all round show and a rare defenceman's
hat trick.
