After defeating Sheffield Spartans 6-3 to go three games unbeaten, Barons Head Coach Darren Bellerby has praised his side’s new found resilience at home that has turned Hobs Moat Road into a real fortress.
The Barons have won back-to-back games for the first time this season after overpowering rivals Coventry Blaze the week previous, and Darren has hailed his resolute side after a different kind of game against Sheffield.
“Three games unbeaten with another two big points against Sheffield.” Said Bellerby.
“We’re concentrating on winning as many games as possible at home. We made hard work of it to be honest but you know what, its two points.
“We’re always going to have a glitch in a game and we had one in the third period, but we managed to settle down and we hit them with a couple of late goals and we got the two points, every point matters.
“Everyone was bouncing off the Coventry win, but I knew it wouldn’t be as fast paced. It’s just trying to get them out of the mode of that win to now.
“It’s a different game and Sheffield are more of a skating side compared to Coventry. They skate well, move the puck well and punish sides on powerplays, so we knew we had to be disciplined and try and stay out of the penalty box.
“All credit to Sheffield though, they’re a good side. But like I say, we got the win and if we keep winning at home and if we can pick up a win on the road then that’s good as well. We’re just looking to survive, that’s all.” |
Sam Hewit, Eddie Slater and man of the match, Luke Smith, all did their bit to
ensure last weekend's Sheffield attack did not have an easy time.
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Despite an improved record on home soil, Solihull are yet to pick up a point on their travels and have suffered some heavy losses, but Darren believes that it could all change sooner rather than later, with his sights firmly set on picking up points in two ‘winable’ games at the weekend.
He added: “It would be nice to get a win on the road. Sheffield away on Saturday would be nice and so would Nottingham on Sunday, they’re two winnable games.
“It would be four good points, four big points, so we’ve just got to keep battling and treat every game as a different game.
“I don’t think we need to do anything differently to win away from home, we’ve just got to keep going and grind out a win! Whether we win ugly or win flarey, it doesn’t matter.
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“We have to go out there for every game with our game plan and stay disciplined. When we start taking penalties, we concede more goals, so if we keep five guys on the ice then I think we’ll be alright.
“It’s just that bit of confidence and belief. It’s coming now with the three games unbeaten against good teams. Coventry, Sheffield and Billingham are all good teams, so hopefully it’s put the belief in the changing room and the boys will be up for the double header at the weekend.”
Sheffield Spartans V Barons. Sat 17th Dec. Departure: HMR 4:15pm
Nottingham Lions V Barons. Sun 18th Dec. Departure: HMR 4:15pm
Coach tickets can be reserved by contacting thesolihullbarons@gmail.com and john.butler2@btconnect.com |
