Autocraft Telford Tigers travelled to Romford desperate to end a terrible start to the season having lost all five league games they have played so far this season. The team were boosted by the return from suspension of Ross Connolly.
The home side were the first team to break the deadlock when Shaun Miller scored from close range. But Tigers hit back with a goal from Harry Ferguson. Telford then took the lead with a well worked power play goal. Ferguson and Devon Skoleski worked an opening for Scott McKenzie who scored with a well timed shot from the left circle.
Early in the second period, Corey Goodison was sent to the penalty box for tripping, allowing Raiders to equalise on the subsequent power play through Aiden Wilson.
Telford regained the lead when Rhodes Mitchell-King sent a perfect stretch pass to Adam Harding to send him clear on goal. Harding scored his first goal since joining the club with a cool finish.
A further penalty gifted a power play to the home side when Ferguson was called for a cross check, allowing Jake Sylvester to equalise. The goal was followed by another power play goal as Tigers lost their discipline, Adam Laishram scored to give the hosts a lead they would not give up.
Ten minutes from the end of the game Tjay Anderson hit a fifth goal for Romford. Telford fought back with a power play goal of their own when Miller was called for hooking. Zachary Yokoyama scored with a shot from close range to give the visitors hope.
But as soon as they were back in the game another penalty – this time Fin Howells for tripping – would cost Telford dear. Sylvester scored again to add Romford’s sixth goal.
As Telford tried to get back in the game they were caught out on the break and conceded again through Seb Mohr.
Tigers now have the unenviable record of six straight losses to start the season and are bottom of the league, three points behind their next opponent, Bristol Pitbulls.
Final Score: Romford Raiders 7 Autocraft Telford Tigers 4.
Scorers: Harry Ferguson, Scott McKenzie, Adam Harding and Zachary Yokoyama.
Man of the match: Fin Howells.
After the game Head Coach Tom Watkins, commented, “Another loss sums our form right up. For two periods we were right in the game and for the last 20 minutes where we were able to make plays to create offence but we lacked the quality to score. We had 10-15 shot attempts blocked and another 5 or so shots going wide of the goal. We are not clinical enough on the offensive blue line or from good scoring areas. If you don’t take advantage when you have the opportunity, you don’t tilt the ice in your favour and ultimately you don’t win. We have lots of questions right now and areas to evaluate for us as a group.”
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