Bulldogs edged out in overtime by Aces

STRIKE ONE: Ste Cox scored Bulldogs’ first goal at Altrincham. Picture: Andy Bourke/Podium Prints.

BRADFORD BULLDOGS again came off worst in overtime, losing 4-3 for the second week running, this time at the hands of Altrincham Aces. 

While it was another valuable point gained in the push to secure a play-off spot, there was a sense of growing frustration at not being able to get over the line, Dave Williams’ team having now lost out all three times they have gone to overtime. 

Attention now turns to this Sunday’s road trip to Deeside Dragons where the Bulldogs will hope to emulate their only win of the season so far when they beat their North Wales rivals 6-4 at The Pound back on October 12. 

Assistant captain Aaron Jordan said it was up to the Bulldogs to find that killer edge needed to close out games. 

“It comes from playing for the full 60 minutes and not taking a shift off,” said Aaron. 

“We’re right on the edge, and it’s on us to swing the momentum, set the standard, and make sure the next time a game goes to overtime, it ends on our terms. 

“We battle hard and we compete but we struggle to find the final edge needed to close out games. 

“We're working on that killer instinct and the extra gear that turns pressure into wins.” 

Carl Price put the Aces ahead with a shorthanded strike in the sixth minute but the Bulldogs were level before the first break at Planet Ice Altrincham when Ste Cox poked a rebound home from close range at 14.24. 

Less than two minutes of the second period had passed before the hosts had restored their lead through Kane Morin but it was the Bulldogs who were up by the time the second period break came around. 

Jared Knowles levelled at 28.34, skilfully cutting inside from the right-hand corner and back-handing past Bayley Hodkinson. 

Just over five minutes later, the Bulldogs got their noses in front for the first time when Ollie Massey tipped in off Knowles to make it 3-2. 

That’s how it stayed until there were just over six minutes remaining, the Aces drawing themselves level when Jake Frost jabbed the puck home following a scramble in front of the net. 

Overtime came and, from a clever play on the face-off, Price back-handed home from in front of net for his second of the night and the extra point on offer.