Coach Tom Watkins wants Telford Tigers to be tougher

Telford Tigers' hopes of making the English Premier League play-offs have been dented by a 7-5 home defeat by fellow contenders Sheffield Steeldogs.

"We came out really strong in the second period, but in the third we never got behind their defence," coach Tom Watkins told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"And we have to tighten up - we've let in seven, eight and seven goals in the last three games."

As part of a double-weekend, Tigers also lost 8-3 at Guildford Flames.

The loss to Guildford - one of the EPL title challengers - was not entirely unexpected, but Tigers were praised by home fans for never giving up.

Goals from Scott McKenzie, Marek Hornak and Andy McKinney kept them close at 5-3, but Guildford ran away with it towards the end.

A day later, Sheffield stunned Tigers by going ahead almost from the off, but Tigers roared into a 5-2 lead via Joe Henry, Hornak, Tomas Janak, Jack Watkins and McKenzie.

However Sheffield hit back impressively to win 7-5.

"We need to be mentally strong," Watkins added.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version