Spring Cup Week 3 Match Reports
By Lauryn Fuller
The Bee’s went into Saturday’s fixture looking for their first Win of the Series. They were up against an inform Telford Tiger’s team who are yet to lose a game in the Cup.
The first period saw both teams go against each other with some strong attacks, which produced some equally good defensive plays. The first to break the dead lock was Telford’s Cole Shudra, his second goal of the series. His goal was also the only one scored in the first, as the Tigers went into the break with a single goal advantage.
More actions ensured in the second period, however both teams struggled to find a goal. A Tigers power play gave them a small advantage over the Bee’s. Yet, Bracknell were the ones that took the opportunity. Harvey Stead with the shorthanded goal tied the game 1-1 at the send of the second.
The score line meant both teams were still in it, all they had to do was to try and edge the other. The Tigers were the ones to come up with the goals. 4 straight un-answered goals by Telford sealed the victory for the home side.
Securing a 5-1 win, the Tigers extended their win streak and are on set for another 4-point weekend, if they can go to Bracknell tomorrow and do it all again. With this defeat, the Bees have now lost all of their opening games, which isn’t the best start for a team like this. They will hope that tomorrow’s fixture will be a shot a redemption.
Sat Feb-27 Sheffield v Raiders
Saturdays second fixture saw the Sheffield Steeldogs and The Raiders take to the Ice. Sheffield weren’t in action last weekends but came into this fixture having beaten the Swindon Wildcats twice on the opening weekend. The Raiders had two hard fought games against the Tigers last weekend, which ended in two back-to-back defeats, they will be hoping to make amends for that this weekend.
The first period saw neither team able to score. Some good PK’s by the Raiders allowed the game to remain at 0-0 going into the break.
12 seconds into the second period saw the Steeldogs score the opening goal of the game. A minute or so later the Raiders were able to equalise through Erik Piatak with a powerplay goal. Shortly after, Sheffield responded once more with a goal by Jason Hewitt. This provided some momentum to the Steeldogs, who managed to go on and score their third and fourth goals of the game before the end of the second.
4-1 was the score line going into the final period and in Sheffield’s favour. The Raiders made a change for the third period, with Brad Windebank replacing Ethan James in goal. Sheffield found their fifth goal of the game, but a quick response from the Raiders saw them get one back, making the score 5-2. They managed to claw back another goal late on in the third to close the gap on the Steeldogs once more.
Too late un-answered goal for Sheffield eventually sealed the home teams win. The Raiders left it a little too late to begin a proper come back, but they provided the Steeldogs with a good fight.
Another lose for the Raiders keeps them bottom of the table. The Tigers on the other hand, stay in second place but as both teams are due to play again tomorrow this could still all change. By the end of the weekend the Raiders could find themselves move from the bottom of the table and the Steeldogs could take the top spot away from the Tigers.
Sun Feb-28 Bees v Telford
Sunday’s fixture in Slough held the chance for the Bee’s to get their first win on home Ice. They were up against a strong Telford Tigers side, who beat them on Saturday 5-1. This game was also the opportunity for the Tigers to extend their winning streak.
The first period saw a goal apiece for the teams. Vanya Antonov got the goal for the Bee’s and Scott McKenzie came up with the equaliser for the Tigers.
With the score tied, the second period again offered an opportunity for both teams to come up with an answer. The Tigers managed to find a single goal in the second to go one goal clear.
With all to play for, the third period provided a crucial 20 minutes of action for both side. However, neither side was able to find the net with any of their chances, leaving the final score 2-1 in the Tigers favour.
It’s safe to say the Tigers have has an extremely positive and strong start to this competition. They are yet to face a team they can not beat. Adding another 4-point weekend to their tally, they are looking like the team to beat this season. That’s not to say the Bees didn’t put up a fight against the Tigers, they were just unable to find an end product to their attacks.
Next week see’s two fixtures for Telford and three for the Bees. Telford will take on the Swindon Wildcats, who have had an equally good start to the season. The Bees have a possible Friday fixtures away to the Raiders. Before playing home and away to the Sheffield Steeldogs.
With a jam-packed weekend on the horizon, will the Bees finally get a win, and will the Tigers continue on in their winning ways?