Tom Watkins believes Telford Tigers were unlucky not to record a four point weekend after watching them slip to their first defeat in six games against Peterborough Phantoms on Sunday.

The Tigers looked on course for victory against the Phantoms, before the hosts scored three times in the final period to win 3-1.

Watkins said: “After the everything that has happened with the club, for the guys to pick up the wins they have is just exceptional.

“It’s an absolute testament to the commitment and work ethic of these guys and I can’t fault it at all.

“I thought we were unlucky and shouldn’t have walked out of here with a loss. The guys were resilient for long parts of the game and defensively excellent.

“Peterborough got a really lucky goal at the start of the third and then it was just difficult to play in that period.

“I looked down the bench at one point and we had six forwards and four defence, so it made it tough.

“The guys have got some time off now and they’ve been battling short.

“I said we need to get some bodies in. Thankfully we came through without injuries and that has been a big part of the last six or seven games.

“The character is what has got us there. These guys want to win and I can’t fault that at all.”

Saturday’s 7-4 home win against Hull Pirates kept the Tigers eight points clear of MK Lightning at the top of the EPL, although Pete Russell’s team have three games in hand.

“I thought we really dug in and showed some great grit and character for two really big points,” added Watkins.

“It doesn’t how matter how we win games, it’s about winning them right now. That’s what good hockey teams have to do.”

(Image permission: Tom Scott)