Telford Tigers’ Head Coach Tom Watkins praised his side after a much-improved display saw them secure an emphatic 5-1 win at home to Basingstoke Bison.

Watkins blasted his team’s performance following Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Bracknell, but he was much happier after seeing his team dismantle the current EPL leaders.

The result leaves Telford level on points with fourth-placed Guildford Flames, but with a game in hand over the Surrey outfit.

Watkins said: “It was a way better performance than Saturday and we started really well. The first five minutes of the game were very important for us.

“We had a three-and zero record against Basingstoke beforehand, so it was crucial that we got something back off them at home.

“We were excellent in all three zones and I don’t think we gave any good scoring chances away. The guys did the little things right in the offensive zone and created quality opportunities.

“I saw a lot of good performances tonight and our defence battled really hard, which helped on the transition.

“We turned pucks over on the forecheck and all those things counted towards a really good performance.”

Goals by Rick Plant (2), Sam Zajac, Joe Miller and Peter Szabo sealed the win for Telford, who are now eight points behind Basingstoke with a game in hand.

Watkins added: “We spoke all week about trying to play a bit harder and playing like men at times. That starts in defence, where we have to battle and block shots.

“I was disappointed that we gave up the goal. We probably should have blocked it, as Gozzy (Sam Gospel) couldn’t see it. But I can’t fault anyone’s effort or commitment.”

(Image permission: Steve Brodie)