Bulldogs back at full-strength as they look to take down Buccaneers

OPTIMISTIC: Bulldogs’ player-coach, Dave Williams. Picture: Jason Devanney/View from Up Here

BRADFORD BULLDOGS will be back to full strength as they attempt to set the record straight against one of NIHL North Two’s leading teams.

Two trips to Billingham Buccaneers in December with short benches due to injury and illness brought only defeat for the Bulldogs, losing 9-1 on December 7 before a 6-5 overtime defeat two weeks later. 

A 7-5 loss at bottom club Nottingham Lions 2 followed last week to stretch Bradford’s losing streak to five games, although their grip on the eighth and final play-off spot remains strong, with their East Midlands rivals still six points behind with nine games to play. 

Player-coach Dave Williams admits it will be tough going against third-placed BIllingham at The Pound this Sunday (face-off 5.30pm) but believes his team are well-placed to give a better account of themselves. 

“We know this weekend is going to be another tough test against Billingham,” said Williams. “They’re one of the stronger teams in the league and they’ve shown their quality all year. 

“But we also know that we can match them which we showed when in that game just before Christmas over at theirs.

“I have said it before but teams need to know that coming to Bradford won’t ever be an easy game for them.

“We need to be consistent for the full 60 minutes to produce the level of performance I know we’re capable of.

“The last two games against them, we were short-benched with injuries and illness, but this time we will be at full strength.” 

The Bulldogs host Billingham Buccaneers at Bradford Ice Arena this Sunday (January 11). Face-off is 5.30pm, with doors opening at 4.45pm.