Ice-hockey: RedHawks capable of still taming Telford Tigers
Streatham assistant coach Terry England believes the RedHawks are capable of pulling back a three-goal deficit as they travel to Shropshire this weekend to face Telford Tigers, writes David Carr.
The South Londoners trail 5-2 going into the second leg of the National Cup quarter-final after a disappointing home reverse last weekend.
A masterclass from former GB defender Jonathan Weaver and Elite league Canadian Jason Silverthorn proved too much for the RedHawks on a night the home side were without suspended pair Ben Paynter and Brandon Miles.
“The first period was very scrappy – it was clear both teams didn’t know too much about each other,” admitted England.
“When we played at our own speed we looked good. Telford are a very good passing team and when you allow them to set up it’s difficult to regain possession.
“We lost the battle in the neutral zone, they did an excellent job of clogging up the middle ice, and were quick on the break. We need to be more clinical in their end this weekend.”
Despite the result, Streatham are still in good form and will travel to Telford with a full coach of supporters backing them on Saturday evening.
England and head coach Jeremy Cornish have steered the RedHawks to 10 wins in the last 14 games and are still confident that they can progress to the semi-finals.
“There are still three periods left,” said England. “We will need to be composed and confident, we are a good team. We need to be strong on the puck from the start, we need to test Denis Bell [Telford’s goalie] early and let him know he’s in for a tough time.
“We need to play smart, which we can do. A three-goal deficit is tough but not out of the question – we have a good group of guys who are more than capable of pulling the game back. I know the boys want to do well and we will be ready.”
Defenceman Adam Wood is a doubt for the rest of the season after tearing a ligament in the win over Milton Keynes a fortnight ago.
“It’s a big loss,” said England. “We aren’t 100 per cent sure of the timescales yet – but the initial observation from the consultant isn’t good and Adam is in a knee brace.
“Adam is the kind of player who wants to play every game and he is gutted. It leaves us one defenceman light and the rest of the guys will have to step up and play more minutes in his absence, which they should be able to manage.”
Streatham face London Raiders at Streatham Arena on Sunday.
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
Come on Streatham Redhawks thrash Telford tigers tomorrow