WIDNES Wild went into Saturday’s derby game in good form on the back of three consecutive wins, meanwhile Deeside Dragons had been struggling for form having drawn with NIHL2 Laidler Conference strugglers Bradford Bulldogs last weekend.

The game started at a frightening pace with the Dragons getting the better of the Wild in the opening stages and eventually taking a 1-0 lead on the powerplay, a story that would have a familiar ring to it by the end of the night. The first period would end with the same scoreline, both sides having chances but good goalkeeping being the reason it remained 1-0 to the home side.

As expected, there was nothing between the two sides. Penalties would be the difference and it was Michal Fico who put the Wild back on level terms with yet again a powerplay strike to tie the game at 1-1.

The game ebbed and flowed with both sides creating great chances but again terrific work from both netminders kept the score tied up at 1 to finish the 2nd period.

Deeside Dragons got off to a great start in the 3rd scoring very early on, again on the powerplay a quick shot slipping under the pads of Wild goalie Greg Ruxton.

The Wild, however, never gave up.

The fought back when a fantastic end to end skate from youngster George Crawshaw who then found Scott Mckenzie in the slot to fire past the Dragons goalie and tie the game at 2-2 to send the Wild fans into uproar. Penalties would be the undoing of the Wild. Scott Mckenzie, Shaun Dippnall and Geoff Wigglesworth all penalised in the final minutes would eventually see the Dragons score their 3rd powerplay goal to make it 3-2 to the home side. With just minutes remaining it was a goal too far for the Wild, the game ending and the Dragons taking both points on a night that had seen the travelling fans and players go home disappointed.

A tough loss for the Widnes Wild to take, just minutes away from what would have been a good point away from home. The Wild return to home ice on Sunday to play host to the Altrincham Aces in yet again another derby game for the Halton side.

A 5.30pm face off at Widnes Silver Blades Ice Rink for a great Sunday night of high octane ice hockey action.