Warriors get the better of Spartans

Joe Stamp

Whitley Warriors took to the ice on Sunday night when the Sheffield Spartans visited Hillheads Ice Rink in Whitley Bay for a NIHL North Division 1 match up.

Warriors were without young forward Ben Richards who had made his comeback from a long injury lay off the previous weekend and the versatile Alex Lawson who is expected to be on the sidelines for the remainder of the campaign. Whitley were still able to operate with 4 forward lines and 3 defensive pairing throughout the majority of the game with the majority of the Warriors roster seeing significant ice time.

Warriors started Sunday’s game on the front foot as David Longstaff fired home with under 2 minutes on the clock after some pleasing approach play from both Harry Harley and Dean Holland. Whitley created numerous openings in the opening exchnages of the match up and skipper Jamie Tinsley made it 2-0 after 7 minutes with Jordan Barnes being credited with the assist.

Spartans did manage to get on the scoresheet themselves when Andrew Turner fired past Whitley netminder Richie Lawson from close range just 11 seconds after Warriors 2nd goal of the game to the delight of the away bench.

Whitley were able to restore their 2 goal lead shortly afterwards though when d man Joe Stamp grabbed his 3rd goal of the season when his shot from distance deceived Sheffield goalie Brandon Stones and found its way into the back of net. Sheffield almost grabbed a goal back late in the 1st period when d man Martin Finkes effort crashed into the post while his side were on the powerplay.

Warriors ran into some penalty trouble during the remainder of the match however Whitley’s penalty killing unit was at the top of their game as they were able to thwart Spartans powerplay efforts and prevent Sheffield from finding a way back into the contest. Whitley netminder Richie Lawson made several smart stops to prevent the visitors from adding to their first period strike.

Blue liner Joe Stamp was chosen as Warriors man of the match for a committed defensive display along with a goal while Spartans goaltender Brandon Stones was selected as the visitor’s top performer during the 60 minutes of action.

Whitley skipper Jamie Tinsley shared his views on the victory over Spartans.

“Really good result for us tonight, it’s good to see the young players stepping up and playing well. I thought Kyle (Ross) did really well tonight Craig (Johnson) came back into the line up and had a good game, Craig’s very strong defensively and has a really good shot on him as well.

“We tried to find the right lines during the game and tried to adapt as the game went along, you’ve just to see what’s working for you on the night and go from there.

“I thought our defence played well tonight and it was a physical game as well which is always good to be involved in.

“Dean (Holland) picked up a knock during Saturdays game so he was rested at times against Sheffield but he should be back to full fitness for next weekend when we have another 2 important games. I think Ben Richards and Phil Pritchard who both missed tonight’s game could well be available for next weekend’s match ups as well.”

Warriors are in action on 2 occasions again next weekend with an away fixture on the Saturday evening when Whitley take on the Sutton Sting at Ice Sheffield before a game on home ice next Sunday (5pm face off) when local rivals the Billingham Stars visit Tyneside for what should be a highly entertaining NIHL North Division 1 match up.