LEEDS KNIGHTS took care of business on a one-game weekend in clinical fashion on Saturday - ensuring they remain hot on the heels of current NIHL National leaders Milton Keynes Lightning.
In fact, it could be argued the Knights emerged from the weekend in a slightly better position than how they went into it, after MK were denied two points on their Sunday night trip to Scotland, where they lost 4-3 in overtime to Solway Sharks.
Coupled with the Knights’ impressive 5-1 win over Telford Tigers at The Castle, it leaves the Knights two points off the Lightning but now with a game in hand ahead of this Saturday’s trip to Berkshire Bees and Sunday’s visit from Swindon Wildcats (face-off 5.15pm).
As was the case at the start of November, it was a dogged Telford team that turned up at The Castle to close the month out, although the Knights were able to break the deadlock early on when, following good work entering the zone from Matt Haywood down the right, the puck was fired on net and eventually broke free to Innes Gallacher at the far post from where he was able to fire home.
Five more minutes had elapsed when Haywood found Kieran Brown in the right circle, the captain squaring the puck to Mac Howlett who was able to beat Brad Day from eight yards to make it 2-0.
The Knights thought a third goal was theirs through Fin Bradon in the 17th minute but it was ruled out by officials who deemed it had gone in via his foot.
The lead was increased eventually in the latter stages of the second period when Howlett won the foot race to the puck in the right corner, played it along the boards to Matt Bissonnette behind the goal, from where he found Matt Barron all alone in front to convert a simple finish at 35.33.
But the third period meant it was to be Jordan Buesa’s night.
Firstly, he followed up his own saved shot into the left-hand corner before cleverly turning the puck back to his captain, who unleashed a venomous shot from the left circle which left Day with no chance.
Matthew Poole soon replaced Day and, shortly after, the Tigers got on the board, Sam Gospel - who had been immaculate throughout - parried Ryan Leese’s long-range shot, but the puck fell kindly for Vladimir Luka, who was able to backhand home from close range to make it 4-1 with just over seven minutes remaining.
But the loudest cheer of the night came three minutes later, Bardon cleverly worked an opening for himself and after Poole had saved his initial effort it was Buesa who was there to follow-up and fire into the gaping net, ending a 17-game stretch without a goal and helping earn him the team’s MVP award in the post-match presentations.
