Telford Tigers’ captain Jason Silverthorn expects his side’s powerplay unit to play a key role in this weekend’s crunch encounters with Bracknell Bees.

Victory in both games would see Telford clinch their second EPL title in three years, following a run of ten successive league wins since the middle of January.

That sequence has coincided with a turnaround in the team’s powerplay performance, with six goals using the extra man in the last six games.

“We spend a lot of time talking about the powerplay and working on different set-ups, with different personnel,” said Silverthorn.

“Tom (Watkins) has been switching things around lately and we’ve found something that clicks, so that will hopefully keep us hot in that area.

“As the season goes on short-handed opportunities tend to dry up and teams play tighter. It can make a huge difference between winning and losing.”

Telford won’t be taking Bracknell lightly this weekend, with Bees having won their last two games against Peterborough Phantoms and Swindon Wildcats.

The Berkshire outfit could yet make a late charge for the final play-off spot and Silverthorn remains wary of the threat they pose.

He added: “Bracknell have turned it up recently and have had some good results. They’re playing well and we have to take it one game at a time with these guys.

“Everyone realises that Saturday is a big game, so we have to get the two points and then worry about Sunday away in Bracknell.

“The guys know what is at stake, but we’ve been playing the same way all year, so nothing will change.”

(Image permission: Steve Brodie)