Bradford Bulldogs 6 Altrincham Aces 7 - Match Report

EDGED OUT: Kieron Furlong (1+1) got on the scoresheet and picked up the Bulldogs’ MVP award but the hosts came off second-best against Altrincham Aces in their 2025-26 NIHL North Two opener at The Pound on Sunday. Picture: Andy Bourke/Podium Prints.

BRADFORD BULLDOGS came off second-best in their NIHL North Two season opener against Altrincham Aces - going down 7-6 at The Pound. 

Josh Stockton - back after a year out - picked up where he left off from at the end of the 2023-24 season by scoring four goals. 

The last of those put the Bulldogs ahead for the second time in the game in the 53rd minute, but the visitors were to have the last word with two further strikes in less than a minute to get their campaign off to the perfect start. 

It was Stockton who opened the scoring on the night when he drove towards net and managed to slide the puck home at 2.54 despite being tripped as he lined up to shoot. 

FANTASTIC FOUR: Forward Josh Stockton resumed normal service with four goals at The Pound on Sunday, but it couldn’t prevent a 7-6 defeat to Altrincham Aces on opening night. Picture: Andy Bourke/Podium Prints

The Aces responded quickly though, getting themselves 2-1 ahead inside eight minutes through strikes from Ronnie Grimes and Ollie Gotts. 

The hosts were level before the break though when Lucas Vince jammed the puck home on a rebound from Jared Knowles’ initial shot at 14.42. 

For the second period, the Bulldogs found themselves playing catch-up most of the time, going behind again when former Bulldogs’ forward Malachi Budd fired home on a 2-on-1 breakaway just before the halfway point. 

Stockton replied with his second of the night just under three minutes later only for Carl Price to swiftly edge the Aces ahead again at 33.32. 

A power play opportunity for the Bulldogs was gratefully seized upon, though, when Kieron Furlong scored from close range with just 75 seconds of the period remaining. 

That was how it stayed until the final 10 minutes of a game that was hindered somewhat due to a couple of stoppages to try and reduce ‘fog’ that was affecting visibility for the match officials. 

Elliot Hunt got Altrincham ahead once again at 50.48 before two goals in 70 seconds from Stockton put the hosts back in control with just seven and a half minutes left, the second courtesy of a pinpoint stetch pass from Aaron Jordan which sent the #6 clear.

It didn’t take long for the Aces to level, however, Price bagging his second at 54.32 before Hunt did likewise just 42 seconds later with a goal which ultimately proved enough to take two points.