A third-period lapse saw Bradford Bulldogs slip to a 9-5 home defeat to Solihull Barons as they completed a disappointing weekend in the English National Ice Hockey League.

The Bulldogs were out for revenge after losing 10-3 away to the same opponents the night before and things started well when Aaron Dad put them 1-0 up after eight minutes.

Solihull responded with goals from Erik Bakalar, Neil Adams and Rob Eley inside six minutes but the Bulldogs hit back as captain Dean Boothroyd made it 3-2 before the end of the first period.

The second period saw Bradford up the tempo and play their best hockey of the season, with Luke Smith quickly equalising from Chris Forster’s cracking pass.

Matt Viney edged the hosts 4-3 up before the next interval but the third period then saw the Barons surge 8-4 ahead with five goals inside the first ten minutes.

The Bulldogs replied through Dad’s second goal of the game from a Daniel Berry pass but the Barons had the final word when Lui Brindle scored with two minutes left.

Bradford conclude their season with back-to-back games at Lancashire on Saturday, March 14 and at home to Solihull the following day (5.15pm).

Attention this weekend turns to the under-18s as they take on Sheffield at home on Sunday (5.15pm) looking for a win to increase their play-off hopes. The under-16s host Sheffield on Saturday (4.15pm).