SLOUGH Jets head coach Lukas Smital was pleased to see his side shut-out Haringey Huskies in the 3-0 home win on Saturday, writes Rob Stevens.

The Jets made it 16 wins on the bounce in the National Ice Hockey League thanks to goals in the first period from Nathan Darmanin and Adam Rosbottom, plus a second-stanza Samuel Talbot strike.

Smital admits Slough were not their usual free-scoring selves but they did enough to control the game.

He told the Observer: "It was a good performance and we pretty much controlled the game from start to finish.

"Haringey had opportunities to score a goal and we didn't dominate in all areas, but we played well enough to control the game and get the two points.

"In British ice hockey it might be a low scoreline and we could've scored more goals, but their goalie played well under fire.

"Haringey didn't score so, whether or not we could've scored more goals, it doesn't make a difference. We were strong at the other end of the ice.

"It shows a strong performance and our defensive game was solid, which is always good to see.

"We weren't comfortable but we had chances to score more goals.

"We dominated and had the momentum but maybe made decisions we wouldn't normally make, like passing the puck when shooting was the better option.

"These things happen in games and as a team we're strong enough to identify what we can and can't afford but, all in all, it was a game that we controlled."

The win means the Jets remain in second position in the table and two points behind Chelmsford Chieftains, but with a game in hand on the leaders.

Slough travel to fifth-placed Raiders Junior this Saturday (5.15pm) for the first meeting between the two sides this season, and Smital is expecting one of the toughest games of the season.

He said: "Romford have a small rink like we do, so that might be an advantage for us, but it will be a tough game and we've definitely got to be prepared.

"It's definitely one of the toughest matches for us down this next five-game stretch, but we had a strong practice earlier this week and have spoken about the key things we need to do."

Smital continued: "Romford have a good record with a young team and I don't know most of their players. They're a similar team to Guildford and that was a tough game to play.

"Romford win and then lose so are a little bit unpredictable and it all depends on who they have in their line-up.

"It's hard to assess them because they are not top of the league but they're no a bottom side either, so it's all about our mindset.

"We can't turn up and think it will be easy, or get over-excited and make mistakes because that's when we will get punished."