SLOUGH Jets head coach Tony Milton has put the 6-1 defeat away to London Haringey Racers down to a lack of match fitness.

The Jets returned to the ice on Sunday for their first match since December 3 and though they were soundly beaten Milton has backed them to regain winning form in the coming weeks.

“It wasn’t the result we wanted but that’s because we’ve not been on the ice for two months,” he told the Observer. “The guys have kept themselves half fit but that’s different to match fitness.

“They listened to what we wanted in the changing room and we won the first period 1-0, but were blowing quite hard at the end of it. It was all adrenaline after that and we ran out of steam a little bit, but they done well.

“There were a few air shots and passes were not accurate but that’s because we’ve not been on the ice. We’ve just had one training session in that time and for a competitive league that’s just not good enough.

“We showed skill, desire and want, but unfortunately fitness tells and we’re not match fit. We need to get back to match fitness then we can give anyone a run for their money.”

The defeat means Slough continue to prop up the National Ice Hockey League South Two East league table though they have at least one game in hand on all their rivals.

The Jets have been forced to postpone their cup match at home to Wightlink Raiders this Saturday due to a delay to the temporary rink.

Up next for Slough is a visit from Chelmsford Warriors in the league on Saturday February 11 (7pm).

“I’m confident that when you give us a couple of games we will start to give people a run for their money and hopefully we will start nicking points off teams,” said Milton.