Match report: Bulldogs v Widnes Wild 2

DOUBLE TRIPLE: Paul Lane scored a second successive hat-trick in pre-season in Saturday’s 5-2 win against Widnes Wild 2 at The Pound. Picture courtesy of Jason Devanney/View From Up Here Photography.

PAUL LANE struck a hat-trick for the second week running as Bradford Bulldogs continued their promising pre-season form with a 5-2 win at home to Widnes Wild 2. 

After a goalless first period, the Bulldogs had to come from behind but dominated the middle section by taking a 4-1 lead. 

The third period was a much tighter affair, but the Bulldogs were good value for their win, coming on the back of a 6-5 win at The Pound against Deeside Dragons 2 six days earlier. 

Player-coach Dave Williams’ team now host reigning NIHL North Two champions Sutton Sting on Sunday (August 30) in their final warm-up game before the league campaign gets underway for real at home to Kingston Sharks on Sunday, September 6. 

Despite having the better chances in an end-to-end first period, the Bulldogs went into the break with nothing to show for their efforts. 

The Wild, gearing up for their first-ever season, featured former Bulldogs forward Mikey Speare and former junior player Cian Shorrock, along with fellow forwards Jared Knowles and Luke Alston who had played for the hosts on two-way deals over the past two years. 

ON THE BOARD: Connor Medley scored in the 5-2 pre-season win at The Pound against Widnes Wild 2. Picture courtesy of Jason Devanney/View From Up Here Photography.

And it was the visitors who broke the deadlock, Knowles taking advantage of a tripping call on Dave Williams by firing past Sam Bolwell in the Bulldogs net at 25.03. 

Special teams would prove crucial throughout the second period, although the Bulldogs pulled level with an even strength strike from Josh Stockton at 26.38. 

Just over two minutes later, the Bulldogs got ahead through Lane’s first of the night - a goal which marked the first senior point for Harry Harling. 

They then doubled their lead just after the halfway mark when Connor Medley got on the board with a power play marker. 

The home team strengthened their grip on the game through another goal on the man advantage when Lane doubled his tally at 32.55. 

It was a healthy and deserved lead coming out for the third period, although the Wild gave themselves hope when they made it 4-2 through Cody Odgen at 48.22, beating back-up netminder Alex Locker who impressed on what was his Bulldogs debut.

But the Bulldogs held firm and made sure of a second pre-season win when Lane completed his second hat-trick in as many games at 57.37.