SLOUGH Jets have extended their winning streak in the National Ice Hockey League to eight matches after a 5-4 overtime victory against Bristol Pitbulls on Saturday, writes Rob Stevens.

A goal inside the first five minutes from Steven Osman gave Bristol the lead at the first buzzer in the Slough Ice Arena.

The Jets equalised through Nathan Darmanin but the Pitbulls were in front again as Janne Virtanen found the back of the net minutes later.

The middle period ended with the scores level at two apiece thanks to a strike from Sean Norris.

Slough took the lead minutes into the final period through player-coach Lukas Smital, before Bristol forced overtime when Olly Shone bagged a brace.

However, the Jets secured the points as Samuel Talbot netted five minutes into the additional period.

Smital told the Observer: "We didn't play at our best and sometimes that happens, but we still played hard, so it was a good win for us.

"We were poor in our execution and didn't take enough of our chances, but we did enough to secure the two points.

"Bristol played well and took lines away from us, plus time and space, and that made it difficult for us to penetrate them.

"Their four goals were mistakes from us. That's not saying they weren't able to score because they did put us under pressure at times, but our mistakes gave them hope to get going again.

"I wasn't overly-confident going into overtime but I still thought we could put them away with the experience we have in those situations."

The win leaves Slough in third position in the league table and just four points behind Chelmsford Chieftains, but Smital explained the play-offs are still the target this season.

He said: "Our guys are confident and trying different things in training. They're all hungry for more and want to win.

"The focus for us is to make sure we don't fall asleep because all games are going to be tough and last weekend was a great example of that.

"The play-offs is still our target and it's tough to aim higher with so many games still to play. It would be nice to make the play-offs and our performances in general are good at the moment.

"It's creating a good vibe and message around the club to the youth, and that's important."

The Jets return to action with a visit to the Slough Ice Arena from second bottom and pointless Swindon Wildcats 2s on Saturday 24th November (5.45pm), and Smital has called for focus from his side.

He warned: "Teams could lose all their games but win one and that could be us, so we will definitely not be thinking it's easy.

"We need to be wary about falling into bad habits that could effect us in tough games coming up. We will focus on our best and not falling into bad habits that could cost us in future games.

"We will go hard and try to find a way to win, especially at home, that's our goal."