Whitley Warriors took on the Sheffield Spartans on Saturday afternoon at Ice Sheffield. Warriors Head Coach Simon Leach iced for Whitley as Warriors were short of blue liners for the match up. This was Simon’s first playing appearance for around 2 years and for him to ice again at 40 years of age shows just how passionate he is about Warriors cause.
Once the action got underway both sides had early power play opportunities however both goaltenders Richie Lawson (Warriors) and Brandon Stones (Spartans) were able to turn away every shot they faced. Warriors best offensive work in the opening period came when Spartans had 2 men in the penalty box however despite working the puck well Warriors were unable to find the back of the net.
Sheffield started the 2nd period on the front foot and 9 minutes into the session Ollie Barron broke the deadlock for the home side with a precise finish from close range. Spartans continued to create openings and Stuart Brittle made it 2-0 4 minutes later.
The 3rd period started well for Warriors as DJ Good twice went close before Scott Cooper was able to light the lamp 4 minutes into the period with a power play marker. Warriors then ran into a little penalty trouble as Alex Lawson and Jamie Tinsley were both sent to the sin bin. Whitley killed off the first penalty successfully however Spartans made it 3-1 while Tinsley was still in the box through Stevie Weeks.
Warriors were searching for a way back into looking for game and Whitley Coaching team made the brave decision to pull netminder Richie Lawson even though there was still over 3 minutes left in the contest. Whitley put the Spartans defence under a great deal of pressure which saw Sheffield skipper Ollie Barron pick up a 2 minute penalty for slashing with 50 seconds left in the game.
Warriors took full advantage as DJ Good found the back of the net just 13 seconds later after the penalty had been called, Dean Holland and Simon Leach picked up the assists on the goal. Warriors opted to keep 6 outskaters on the ice and with 7 seconds remaining in the game Jamie Tinsley fired home from close range which saw the game end all square at 3-3.
Dean Holland was selected as Warriors Man of the Match for a hard working display while Spartans sharp shooter Stuart Brittle was chosen as the home side’s top player during the game.
Warriors in action again on Sunday evening when Whitley make the short journey down to Teesside to take on the Billingham Stars in what should be a superb local derby in a NIHL North Division 1 encounter.