The Dynamic property services Solway Sharks returned back to home ice on Saturday evening, picking up a crucial 2 points with a 7-4 win against the Telford Tigers in a playoff clash. The victory sees Sharks go just 1 point behind the Tigers with a game in hand.

Solway lined up with 15+2 as #9 Mason Alderson sat the first of his 4-gameban, whilst also still missing all 2-way agreement players and injured forward #15 Kieran Hair from the squad. Meanwhile the Tigers travelled with 16+2, missing #26 Deakan Fielder and #71 Taylor Stanton from their previous game. Sharks opted for regular starter #33 Jordan Marr, matched up against #30 Brad Day for Telford.

1st period – (2-1)

Sharks dominated possession early and tested Day, but he answered for Telford to keep the forwards at bay. However, Solway capitalised minutes later at 4:38 as #49 Liam Danskin slotted the puck home after the initial shot from #22 John Dunbar to put the hosts ahead. Telford quickly looked to react through their first line, yet Marr made the vital stops to retain the edge on the scoreline for Solway.

The hosts built up their offensive pressure, doubling the score to 2 via #68 Callum Boyd following the link up play by #89 Scott Henderson at 12:01. Solway’s top line worked plays, seeing #43 Nolan Gardiner fire multiple shots on Day but he matched his efforts. However, the Tigers flipped momentum allowing #11 Eric Henderson to slot the puck under Marr from close range at 18:42 to reduce the deficit late in the period for the visitors.

2nd period – (2-2)

Solway created a huge chance from the initial face-off in the 2nd period,but Dunbar lost his edge in the crease as Gardiner fed the puck to his teammate. However, #21 Torran Anderson converted the back door tap-in after the connection from Glasgow Clan 2-way #88 Kyle Carruth on 23 minutes to send Solway 3-1 clear.

Just seconds later, #92 Caly Robertson extended the lead for Solway with a lovely top-corner strike after link-up play with fellow first line teammates, #22 John Dunbar and #43 Nolan Gardiner at 23:32. Telford looked to answer back quickly through imports #23 Thomson and #11 Henderson, but Marr soaked up the pressure well.

The visitors amped up the pressure and the Sharks defence failed to shut down their threats, allowing #23 David Thomson to put the tip past Marr, assisted by D-partners #4 Adam Harding and #91 Rhodes Mitchell-King at 31:56. However just seconds later, #77 Scott McKenzie reduced the deficit back to a single goal after the rebound shot at 32:26. Sharks looked to re-establish their lead further approaching the end of the middle period through their 3rd line, but Day kept a level head to ensure his side remained in final contention.

3rd period – (3-1)

Telford were eager to level the score inside the opening minute of the final frame, yet Marr made the stop to deny #23 David Thomson. Solway were awarded the first powerplay of the evening at 42:33 as #38 Thomas Byrne sat for tripping. Sharks capitalised moments later through a one-timer by #12 Kell Beattie following the feed from #22 John Dunbar at 43:29 to post the score 5-3.

Solway continued their attacking prowess and converted a play from their first line as #22 John Dunbar fired top shelf, assisted by his linemates at 45:59 to send Sharks 6 goals clear. However, the Tigers found a way to answer back once more with a solo goal from #23 David Thomson at 51:12 after a rebound from the boards.

Solway’s discipline slipped for the first time during the game at 56:17 seeing #63 Joey Coulter sit 2 minutes for slashing at 56:17. Telford created their chances during the powerplay, but Marr stood tall to deny the Tigers. There was a brief break in play as the puck bounced into the bench at 58:17, seeing Telford opt to keep Day on the bench. Moments later, #68 Callum Boyd fired the empty netter home at 59:29 to secure Sharks a 7-4 win to break their 8-game losing streak.

MVPs were awarded to #68 Callum Boyd for Solway after his continuous offensive pressure, whilst #23 David Thomson picked up the title for Telford.