Watkins' side currently lie ten points off eighth-placed Sheffield

Telford Tigers coach Tom Watkins says his side must toughen up after back-to-back defeats hit their play-off hopes.

Tigers went down 8-2 at Milton Keynes Lightning and 6-1 at home to Bracknell Bees in the English Premier League.

"We have to develop more of a mean streak, and make it harder for teams to score against us," the Tigers coach told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"That said, we did play some good hockey and created offensive chances, but we have to plug the gaps."

Josh Bruce and Joe Henry hit Tigers' goals in the Manchester defeat, while Scott McKenzie was their lone scorer in the disappointing home loss against Bracknell.

Watkins added: "Overall it was a poor weekend for us. We know what we are capable of but the question is can we do it consistently."

Tigers now lie three points behind play-off rivals Bracknell in the English Premier League but their next fixtures see them play home and away against the division leaders Manchester Phoenix.

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