Destiny is in our hands

Following last night’s 3-3 draw away to Telford Titans, Whitley Warriors still have their English National League title hopes in their own hands; but know they must win all six remaining games to be certain the trophy will come to Hillheads.

After league leaders Nottingham went down to a surprise 3-1 defeat away to relegation threatened Trafford Metros on Saturday, Whitley knew a victory against Telford - with double points at stake following the postponement of the game prior to Christmas because of bad weather - would make them favourites.

However, after goals from Shaun Kippin and Adam Reynolds had given the Warriors an early lead, the home side hit back to net three times; including two in just seven seconds midway through the middle session.

Reynolds did grab his second of the night to tie the game up at 37.20, but with just four Whitley defenders – including coach Simon Leach – it was the Titans who came closest to scoring in the final period.

“James Flavell was our man of the match, especially in the closing stages when he made some fantastic saves,” said assistant coach Kevin Dean, himself a former Whitley goalie, afterwards.

“Considering how short we were on defence tonight, it was a good point and keeps us in the title hunt,” he added, “but obviously we would have preferred the win.

“However, it was very solid team performance with everyone doing their bit to get what we did out of the game.”

But the night was not without it’s casualties, as Dean – who ran the bench while Leach concentrated on playing – confirmed afterwards.

“Simon has hurt his back,” he said, “while Nathan Taylor has sustained a shoulder injury and Bryan Dunn picked up a groin injury; and neither of them could finish the game.

“But we will look at both injuries during the week to see if they can play any part in our two games next weekend.”

Whitley were away to bottom of the table Kingston Jets on Saturday night and recorded an 11-2 win.

“To be honest we did what we needed to against them,” said Dean, “the only moment of concern came midway through the second period when they scored twice to bring the score to 5-2, but we called a time-out immediately and reminded everyone to stay focused.

“We were able to give everyone a run-out,” he added, “and the most pleasing thing was that we were able to share the goals around, with eight players finding the back of the net.”

Dan Harris, Callum Watson and Martin Crammond all scored twice, while there were also markers from Dale Howey, Karl Culley, Shaun Kippin, Daniel Murdy and Adam Reynolds.

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