Hard fought win

Mon 02, 2012 12:35

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A hard fought 8-4 win for Whitley Warriors over Solihull Barons at Hillheads last night saw them narrow the gap further on league leaders Billingham Stars as the Teesside outfit were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Telford.

However, for much of the night Whitley struggled to find any rhythm against the bottom of the table side and the game was tied at 4-4 going into the final session.

“Even though it was close for 40 minutes, I always felt we would come through because we had created so many chances already and maybe just hadn’t got the bounces our play deserved,” said player/coach Garry Dowd afterwards.

“We were a little sloppy at times and didn’t defend too well on the powerplay, which is why they scored all their goals with the man advantage, but with four lines available I was always confident we would eventually wear the opposition down.

“And that’s what happened,” he continued, “they eventually tired and once we went ahead again, they had very little left in the tank to respond and we were able to rattle in a few goals towards the end.”

But with some big games coming up for the Warriors in the next couple of weeks, the coach is not certain to continue the policy of playing four lines.

“We need to go with three lines in those games,” he admitted, “because players seem to not have the same intensity when they are left sitting on the bench and while we can wear down the likes of Solihull, it won’t work against everyone.

“Teams of the calibre of Billingham or Trafford could do too much damage early in the game and the advantage we get in the third period would be nullified.”

Calvin Khass retained his place in goal last night after impressing in the win at Billingham the week before and Dowd has happy to see him start.

“He had a great game at the Forum and with Ritchie (Lawson) not available for some training sessions this week due to work commitments, I was happy for Calvin to continue,” continued Dowd.

“He was starting games for us at the beginning of the season and showed then what he is capable of, so to have two goalies we can rely on is good for the club.”

Harry Harley celebrated his call-up to the Great Britain Under 18 squad with a goal last night, while there was also a first senior marker for Christian Johnson and the coach was delighted for both.

“They have been with us for most of the campaign now,” noted Dowd, “and you can see the improvement in both of them.

“We are delighted for Harry – and young defender Andrew Cook, who is on the reserve list for the squad – but it’s a shame Christian didn’t make it, because they all deserve that chance.”

Shaun Kippin and Callum Watson both scored twice last night, while there was also a goal each for Jamie Tinsley and Dean Holland; as well as Harley and Johnson.