Lions visit the Wig Wam

Whitley Warriors coach Garry Dowd is looking for his side to continue their impressive recent form when the unpredictable Nottingham Lions visit Hillheads tomorrow evening.

Although just above the bottom two in the English National League, Nottingham are the only side to have beaten league leaders Billingham Stars and gained a 3-3 draw on their last visit to Whitley.

“They have a good core of young players and back that up with a set of experienced players,” said Dowd, “but consistency seems to be their biggest problem at the moment, meaning we won’t know which side will turn up until the game gets underway.

“But we have to be prepared for anything,” he added, “and need to keep our level of performance the same as it has been in the last few games.”

Dowd feels netminding could be key tomorrow, with the Lions possessing a good pair of keepers while the Warriors have former Newcastle Vipers goalie Richie Lawson as first choice.

“I know Richard Griffiths from my time at Billingham,” he said, and know what a good netminder he is, while Alan Levers has been with the club for years and played a higher level, so their coach has a good choice.”

Mark Good will be missing from the Whitley line-up after he was hit by a puck during the warm-up before last Sunday’s win over Telford and AllyBrummitt - although back skating – is not yet ready to return to from his knee injury, while David Barrett is suspended and youngsters Harry Harley and Christian Johnson are on Under 18 duty.

“We will have a shorter bench than normal,” said the coach, “but we still have enough players to get the job done and we are looking to get a vital two points ahead of next week’s home game with Billingham Stars.”

Tickets for the game with Nottingham tomorrow are available on the night, priced at Adults £7.50, Under 16’s & Concessions £5.50, while a Family Ticket is available for £22. The action gets underway at 5.00pm, with the doors open 30 minutes before face-off.