Coach happy Bees can handle the pressure

Published 19 Mar 2010 11:19 0 Comments

THE race for the final play-off spot in the EPL is hotting up as the Swindon Wildcats claw back the gap on the Bracknell Bees.

Claude Dumas' Bees claimed two points from the weekend as they won a highly entertaining encounter with the Romford Raiders 9-6, before going down 7-3 in Manchester.

However, Swindon secured maximum points as they shocked both the Slough Jets and Guildford Flames to draw level on points with the Bees for the eighth and final play-of place.

Dumas commented: "When we won Swindon had to win both games, something lots of people didn't expect them to do, myself included, but they got four points from those two games against top sides.

"They did what they had to do but if you were a betting man you would have lost money.

"I think we need another two points at least and another two points the weekend after.

"Swindon have to do the same or better and if they do that then you have to put your hands up and say well done to them.

"But it is in our hands at the moment and that's where we want it to be."

The last time the two sides met, the Flames won in overtime but prior to that this season Guildford had been dominant, taking apart the Bees and scoring almost at will.

However, they go into the clash on the back of four league defeats in a row and also had to play on Wednesday night in the first leg of the EPL Cup final at home to league leaders Milton Keynes Lightning.

"We are confident we can play against them and do well," stated Dumas. "They are a very inconsistent side.

"They can be difficult to stop but have also shown that they are beatable at home and away.

"We will have to play smart hockey but they are going through their worst period this year.

"I would rather play them now than when we last played them, we want to keep them in that mindset when they are doubting themselves and not confident.

"We have done well in double headers against teams, picking up two points over the weekend against good sides like Slough.

"Guildford cannot be happy with the way they are playing at the moment and they are just going to finish fourth or fifth and they have a cup final as well. They will want to build confidence up while we need points.

"We know we can beat anybody at home and I wish we could play better on the road. But we will go there and give it a go."

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This article appeared in Villager 18 Mar 10

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