Telford Tigers 4 Bradford Bulldogs 3: Coach Andy Brown hails Dogs' character after narrow loss at NIHL North Two leaders

SOLID: Bulldogs netminder Sam Bolwell impressed once again during the 4-3 defeat at leaders Telford Tigers. Picture courtesy of Steve Brodie

BRADFORD BULLDOGS’ coach Andy Brown felt his team were hard done to after being edged out at NIHL North Two leaders Telford Tigers.

When the sides met two weeks ago at Bradford Ice Arena the Tigers ran out 5-3 winners after out-shooting the Bulldogs almost three-to-one, netminder Sam Bolwell turning away 62 of 67 shots on her net.

Even though the Bulldogs rolled into Saint Quentin Gate short on numbers they put in a big performance, one which saw them lead 2-1 after 20 minutes through strikes from Josh Reynolds and Kieran Clarkson. 

The middle period was where the game was ultimately decided with the Tigers scoring three unanswered goals, although they were made to endure a nervous final few minutes after Tomas Mitrik made it a one-goal game with just over five minutes remaining, the home team finally running out 4-3 winners.

"I felt we deserved to take something from that game,” said Brown. “To win two out of three periods at the home of the current leaders with only two lines shows how much effort the players put in.

“But we couldn’t get a call to go our way in the second and ultimately that handed Telford the points.

“We know we're not in a great spot at the moment in terms of the standings, but there’s plenty of hockey still to be played this season and we’re getting better every week. Sam Bolwell was outstanding again between the pipes and if we keep improving as we are doing we’ll certainly pick up more points.”

After falling behind to Oliver Hunt’s fifth-minute opener, the Bulldogs hauled themselves level within two minutes through Reynolds.

The go-ahead goal came just over seven minutes later when Kieran Clarkson fired home from a Reynolds feed but it was two goals in as many minutes in the second period that swing the game Telford’s way.

ON TARGET: Kieran Clarkson fired Bradford in front at Telford Tigers. Picture: Andy Bourke/Podium Prints.

The home side levelled on the power play with Alex Mitchell (delay of game) and Kieran Clarkson (cross-checking) both in the box, the man advantage allowing Daniel Harrison to beat Bolwell at 26.21.

Just over another two minutes had passed before Filip Supa put the hosts ahead for the first time on the night and it was on another power play - with Connor Medley in the box on a tripping call - that the Tigers doubled their lead, Joe Aston firing home at 33.19.

But the Bulldogs rallied in the third and ensured the game would go down to the wire when Mitrik made it a one-goal game at 54.44, but the visitors couldn’t find a way through again to take what would have been at least a deserved point.

"Apart from one game against Hull, we've been in every game more or less, so we know we have the quality to compete with most other teams in this league,” added Brown.

"I'm seeing encouraging signs every week, something that was reflected in the fact that we went toe-to-toe with a team that is sitting at the top of the table, hasn't lost in regulation yet and was able to roll four lines. 

"That says a lot about our character and if we can maintain that level of commitment then it bodes well for the rest of the season."

This weekend the Bulldogs head to East Yorkshire for a second meeting of the season with Hull Jets. The Jets won 8-1 when they visited Bradford on October 8.