LUKAS Smital believes Slough Jets showed a fighting spirit to come from behind and beat Bristol Pitbulls 5-3 on Saturday.

Smital wanted a win for Slough to start to climb the league table, but the home team were 3-0 down inside 16 minutes and the score remained the same heading into the final stanza.

However, the Jets did not give up and a hat-trick from Timo Lindgren plus two Smital goals completed a remarkable comeback.

Slough head coach Smital told the Observer: “We didn’t start great but Bristol played well to keep the pressure on and take any space away from us.

“We didn’t have many great chances and after the second period we realised we had to move the puck better to create space, and I felt we did that.

“When the first goal went in it took momentum away from Bristol. We gained momentum, our confidence grew and we became stronger.

“Towards the end we dominated so, based on our comeback, determination and focus, we deserved the two points.

“You have to look at a game over the whole 60 minutes and that’s how I like to do it. We dominated towards the end and the win was deserved.”

The win is a first in three matches for Slough and sees them move up to ninth position in National Ice Hockey League South Two.

The Jets host sixth-placed Chelmsford Chieftains this Saturday (6pm) before a trip to bottom side Lee Valley Lions on Sunday (5.30pm).

Smital said: "Chelmsford are a strong team that played in the English National League last season and only lost three matches, so we will have to be prepared.

"Every player will have to do their best for us to get any kind of result out of the game.

"I might be too honest, but we showed last week that we have a fighting spirit, which I like, and we will have to do the same on Saturday."

He continued: "Maybe someone will tell you don't underestimate them but it's a must-win game for us.

"It's a game we need to win and my job is to get the guys ready and motivated, approach the game in a professional manner and play our best.

"We should be looking to beat them but there are always upsets in ice hockey."

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