Bulldogs suffer on home ice against Telford but finish strong

UNDER SIEGE: Jake Lowndes' goal came under repeated attack during the first period against Telford Tigers 2 on Sunday, the visitors firing 26 shots on the home team's net.

ANDY BROWN saw signs of his Bradford Bulldogs team being able to compete with the best NIHL North Two has to offer - despite the fact they remain winless in 2024-25. 

A third defeat in as many games this season was expected for the Bulldogs when they found themselves hosting 2023-24 regular season champions Telford Tigers 2 at Bradford Ice Arena. 

The Tigers ran out comfortable and deserved 10-3 winners on the night but, as with the previous weekend’s loss against fellow high-fliers Coventry Blaze NIHL, the Bulldogs rallied in the third period. 

With 16 minutes gone, the Bulldogs were trailing 2-0 to strikes from Ben Washburn and Callum Griffin.

But it was the spells either side of the first intermission that were their undoing, three goals in as many minutes from Oliver Hunt, Joshua Hustwick and Karol Jets seeing the Tigers go into the break 5-0 ahead.

Within five minutes of the restart, the game was long gone, even with Lucas Vince getting on the board for the hosts at 23.24. 

By that stage the Bulldogs were 7-0 adrift, Taylor Stanton and Paul Dawes beating Jake Lowndes, before Connor Bennett made it 8-1 at 24.21.

TOP MARKS: Tom Mardell picked up the MVP award for Bulldogs in the 10-3 defeat against Telford.

Hustwick doubled his tally at 33.29 and while it could be argued Telford may have eased off in the third, they were rattled enough by a resurgent Bulldogs to take six separate minor penalties. 

This allowed the hosts to build some momentum and get their rewards, Joel Bark producing a fantastic finish on a breakaway while short-handed at 44.29, while Kacper Andrukianiec also got on the board, just under three minutes later. 

The only blot on the third period performance was conceding a late goal - Stanton doubling his tally for the night at 58.28 - which saw the bisitors hit double figures. 

Brown admitted his team were masters of their own downfall again after committing too many basic defensive errors, but he took heart from the fact they were able to finish the game strongly again.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game as Telford have a strong squad and look like favourites to win the league again this season,” said Brown. 

“With over 35 minutes still to play I was fearing we might be on the end of hugely embarrassing scoreline. 

“But to be fair to the boys, where most teams would have given up, we seemed to find another gear and again had a few chances on their net.

“In the third, we came out and pressed Telford hard which forced some penalties and allowed us to get some momentum back into the game. 

“It was good to win the period and out shoot them and shows if we can prepare better and start stronger we can compete.” 

This weekend sees the Bulldogs on the road as they take on division newcomers Deeside Ducks. Face-off is at 5pm on Saturday at Deeside Leisure Centre. 

Their next home game is on Sunday, October 20, against Altrincham Aces (5.30pm).