Bradford Bulldogs play winning hand to down Altrincham Aces

DOUBLE DELIGHT: Connor Medley bagged two goals and an assist as Bradford Bulldogs enjoyed a 4-2 win at NIHL North Two (Laidler) rivals, Altrincham Aces. Picture: Andy Bourke/Podium Prints.

BRADFORD BULLDOGS snapped a two-game losing streak when they twice came from behind to secure a 4-2 victory at Altrincham Aces.

In a contest that proved pretty even throughout - both goaltenders faced similar shot counts in all three periods - it was Bradford who prevailed thanks to being more clinical in front of net.

It was in the second period where the game was effectively won and lost, though,the Bulldogs getting their noses in front with two goals in as many minutes to take a 3-2 lead into the third.

But they had gone in behind at the first intermission after Brad Chapman broke the deadlock with just 40 seconds left on the clock.

A Connor Medley strike at 26.22 - off a feed from Josh Stockton - made it all-square again but not for long as, just 22 seconds later, Grace Garbutt restored the home side’s advantage.

It was the Bulldogs’ special teams that saw the clash turn in their favour though and it was their penalty kill unit that came up trumps first, Tomas Mitrik scoring a short-handed strike at 37.36.

LEADING ROLE: Captain for the day Josh Stockton added a late goal to his three assists as Bradford twice came from behind to secure a 4-2 win at Altrincham Aces. Picure: Andy Bourke/Podium Prints.

Next it was the turn of the visitors’ power play to produce, Medley combining with Stockton again for his second of the game with just 23 seconds of the period remaining.

It was a lead they were to hold on to, although nerves were only settled when Stockton an Medley combined to great effect again, although this time it was the former who found the back of the net, beating the Aces goalie 57.10, Sam Bolwell doing her part at the other end when turning away 40 shots.

Head coach Andy Brown said: “It was good to get back to winning ways after a disappointing couple of weekends.

“Make no mistake, though, this was a hard-fought win and Altrincham made it really hard for us for the full 60.

“We took our chances in that second period when they came our way, though, and it proved crucial because we couldn’t be sure of the two points until Josh Stockton came up with that late one to give us more of a cushion.

“All in all, though, it was much better than the previous couple of weekends. We’re going to need to match it this weekend, though, as we’ve got a very strong Telford team coming to our building and we’ll have to be ready for them.”