With just two weeks of league action remaining, Telford Tigers were left to regret 90 blundering seconds that probably put the team out of play-off contention.

A 4-3 road win at Bracknell lifted Tigers out of the wooden spoon slot, but allowing Peterborough to score three in a minute and a half in the first period at home on Saturday could prove decisive in the chase for eighth in the league table.

That position is held by Sheffield who, mathematically, could be overhauled but as they beat Peterborough on Sunday are currently looking the stronger to continue into post-season action.

Tigers started brightly, with Josh Bruce opening the scoring at 8:07, assisted by Daniel MacKriel and netminder Declan Ryan. Phantoms equalised at the 14 minute mark, but it was a four-on-four goal at 18:28 that signalled the meltdown for Tigers.

A series of errors were pounced on by Peterborough's imports who raced to a 4-1 lead. Tigers hauled one back in the second period - Luke Brittle showing a mature touch to deliver on the rebound, aided by Joe Henry.

A powerplay goal for Phantoms in the opening minute of the third gave Telford an even bigger mountain to climb, but Tigers hung in there and goals from Josh Bruce and Scott McKenzie brought them within touching distance of a point. However, even pulling Ryan off the ice for an extra skater failed to push the game into overtime.
 
Afterwards, player-coach Tom Watkins said: "We just didn't show up in the first. Whether it was nervous energy or feeling the pressure I don't know, but we choked. We made too many errors and then had to fight to keep ourselves in it for the rest of the game."

It was a different story on Sunday, however, as Tigers and Bees battled it out just for pride - starting at the first drop of the puck as Andy McKinney and Nicky Watt picked up roughing penalties.

Telford took the lead through Nathan Salem after 3:58, with Scott McKenzie doubling the score just a few seconds later. Bees equalised during the middle session, but Luke Brittle put Telford ahead again at 43:38.

Once more, Bracknell fought back with a goalmouth scramble strike at 51 minutes but Brittle finished it off at 56:30 to keep Tigers off the bottom of the table in their first season under supporter ownership.

Watkins said: "We played pretty good and competed well. Luke Brittle got two superb goals and Andy McKinney stepped up right at the start, having a hell of a scrap.

"Everybody came ready to play and had a good attitude."

Tigers have an extra fixture this Tuesday, March 15, against Milton Keynes Lightning, who are currently sitting in an uncharacteristically low fifth place.

Watkins added: "Lightning are never easy; they have three or four solid lines and are difficult to break down. We need to play like we want it."

Doors open at 6.45pm, with face-off at 7.30pm.