Autocraft Telford Tigers made the long road trip to Romford to take on the Raiders in search of points in their pursuit of a playoff place. With Raiders being one of only two teams that Tigers would realistically be able to catch, the game would be vital for both teams.
Tigers made the perfect start to the game with a goal in the opening minute. Just seventeen seconds were on the clock when Eric Henderson passed to the unmarked David Thomson who shot past Owen Rider in the Raiders’ goal.
The lead only lasted three minutes as Raiders hit back with a goal from Tjay Anderson.
The home side were in front late in the period with a power play goal. Lucas Price was serving a high sticking penalty when Andrew Shewfelt set up Shaun Miller to beat Brad Day with a shot from the right circle.
Two minutes into the second period Raiders went further ahead. Jake Sylvester hit a shot from the slot that beat Day.
Telford pulled a goal back after good work by Louie Newell lead to Harry Ferguson scoring with a low shot past Rider.
Tigers had a glorious chance to get level with a power play when Tyler Nixon was called for tripping. But it would be Raiders that scored whilst short handed as Sylvester broke away to score.
Telford reduced the deficit once again late in the period. Henderson’s shot towards goal was deflected in mid-air by Scott McKenzie into the net.
With Tigers back in the game the last thing they needed was to concede a goal in the opening minute of the third period. A shot by Sean Barry hit Day, bounced off him and deflected off Adam Harding and into the net.
Tigers would not give up and struck back again with McKenzie picking up a rebound off Fin Howells’ shot and scoring his second of the game.
A frantic final five minutes saw Telford throw everything at the Raiders’ goal. But the game slipped away when Howells’ was called for tripping, allowing Raiders to score on the power play through Shewfelt to seal the game.
Final Score: Romford Raiders 6 Autocraft Telford Tigers 4.
Scorers: Scott McKenzie (2), Harry Ferguson and David Thomson.
Man of the match: Scott McKenzie.
After the game Head Coach, Tom Watkins commented, “We need to have far more consistency in our game from period to period and game to game. We got a fast start with a quick goal but after that we were sloppy, gave up a number of odd man rushes and turned the puck over needlessly. The first two periods were a struggle but we kept it to a one goal game and got a bad start to the third period, but after that we found a way back and played our best hockey but got caught on our second offensive zone penalty of the night which made it difficult to take advantage of pulling the goalie.”
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