Leeds Knights deliver timely antidote after being handed taste of their own medicine
OVER the past four seasons - campaigns which have brought unmatched success at NIHL National level - Leeds Knights established a reputation for scoring in ‘bunches’.
Quite often, the goals they scored in quick succession would swiftly swing momentum in their favour and leave opponents wondering what had hit them, with no or little way back - the play-off final win over Hull Seahawks in April being the most obvious and recent example.
On Sunday night, the Knights were seemingly cruising 35 minutes into their NIHL National clash at Telford Tigers having established a 4-0 lead, the last three goals scored in a frantic six-minute spell either side of the halfway mark.
But then they got a taste of their own medicine - twice - meaning that, just eight minutes later, they found themselves level at 4-4.
Thankfully, the night was rescued and a miserable coach ride home avoided when Matt Bissonnette scored an overtime winner.
It not only saved face somewhat, but it also stretched their winning streak to three games, while also delivering a first four-point weekend for Ryan Aldridge’s team who, after a stuttering start, are beginning to show promising signs.
A tough week lies ahead for the Knights who host Sheffield Steeldogs on Thursday night in what is the first of three games in four nights.
The second of those comes in Solway, who the Knights beat 5-0 at home last Friday to record their first shutout of the 2026-27 campaign, before closing out the hectic schedule with a visit from reigning champions Swindon Wildcats.
Visits to Telford are rarely simple affairs, the Knights taking a 1-0 lead into the second period courtesy of Cullen McLean’s seventh goal of the season with just 45 seconds left.
Kieran Brown doubled the lead 27.38 before Bow Neely picked the perfect moment to register his first goal of the campaign at 33.07.
Just 86 seconds had elapsed when Brown doubled his tally for the night, a regulation win seemingly secured.
But the game was turned on its head even before the second intermission arrived, Max Dukovac’s power play strike at 38.26 - with Liam Peyton was in the box for slashing - followed just 25 seconds later by a second goal for the American.
It got worse for the Knights in the 44th minute, Harry Ferguson making it a one-goal game before the teams were level when Ronny Paragallo beat Sam Gospel only nine seconds later.
It was a remarkable turnaround by Tom Watkins’ team, but they had to settle for just the one point when Bissonnette struck the winning blow with just under two minutes of overtime gone.