Coventry NIHL Blaze v Bulldogs - match report

EARLY MARKER: Abbie Culshaw gave the Bulldogs an early lead at Coventry and later picked up the MVP award. Picture: Jason Devanney/View From Up Here Photography

BRADFORD BULLDOGS came off second-best on their first road trip of the NIHL North Two season when losing out 4-2 at Coventry Blaze. 

Buoyed by their 7-4 opening night home win over Kingston Sharks the Bulldogs had travelled down to the SkyDome Arena in confident mood, hoping to pick up points at a venue which has not been a happy hunting ground since the return from the Covid-enforced break - losing on all previous eight visits. 

That run was extended to nine, despite the Bulldogs getting off to the best possible start when Abbie Culshaw put them ahead with just over five minutes gone. 

An even first period in terms of possession and chances not surprisingly ended the same way in terms of the scoreline, though, when the hosts levelled through Ethan Wheeldon, beating Sam Bolwell with 17.45 on the clock. 

The second period belonged to the Blaze in terms of chances and they duly established a stranglehold on the game when they took the lead through Brodey Butlin at 28.58 and then doubled their advantage exactly two minutes later with a strike from Oliver Dixon. 

An already difficult task became even harder when the Bulldogs fell 4-1 behind to a power play strike from Liam Bartholomew at 43.58. 

But hope quickly arrived for the visitors when they reduced the deficit to two goals at 45.18, Lucas Vince opening his account for the season thanks to help from Harry Harling and Tyler Hall. 

Further chances came and went at both ends - with Bulldogs’ goalie Lewis Curry making his competitive debut when replacing Bolwell in the 46th minute - but the scoreline remained the same to leave the Bulldogs wondering what might have been. 

Bulldogs’ MVP went to Abbie Culshaw.

The Bulldogs are back at The Pound THIS SUNDAY (September 20 ) when they host reigning champions Sutton Sting.

Face-off is 5.30pm, with doors opening at 4.45pm. TICKET DETAILS (pay cash or card on the door): 🔴 Adults: £6 ⚫️ Under 5-16s, students and OAPs: £3; 🟡 Family ticket (2 adults, 2 U-16s): £14; ⚪️ Kids (Under-5): for a QUID!