DEESIDE DRAGONS made it eight wins on the bounce with a 4-1 victory over Hull Jets but Andy McKinney admits they didn’t play well.

The victory moved Dragons into second place in North Division One and they are now just four points behind leaders Billingham Stars.

“I suppose it’s a sign that even when we don’t play well, we can win. And we didn’t play well at all against Hull,” said player assistant coach McKinney (pictured above) after Sunday’s latest success at the Deeside Leisure Centre.

“But we have a lot of talent on the roster and the players are confident. We scored two late goals to make it look easier than it was.”

Jared Dickinson opened the scoring for Deeside, who had lost their first four games of the season before going on this great run while James Shaw scored the goal of the game to put Dragons 2-1 up.

“James’ goal was the best of the night and it was the winner really as we scored two late goals with Ross Kennedy getting back on the scoresheet and Brodie Jesson also scoring,” added McKinney, who is back enjoying the good times at a club he first played for as a five-year-old in 1994.

McKinney showcased his talents at Telford Tigers, Manchester Phoenix and Guildford Flames before returning home to Deeside where he’s glad to put last season behind him.

“It was the worst season of my ice hockey career because of all the external factors,” added McKinney. “Obviously the rink wasn’t ready, we had weeks off and then were playing double headers every weekend.

“And we had one player suffering a terrible accident in Thailand. So it wasn’t the best of years.

“But this season is different and we’re playing well.”

Billingham, who have played a game more than Deeside, netted 10 goals in their double header over the weekend.

The Stars followed up Saturday’s 5-0 home victory over Sheffield Scimitars by winning 5-2 at Nottingham Lions 24 hours later.

Blackburn Hawks, who host the Dragons on Sunday, lost 3-2 at Whitley Warriors.

Cardiff Devils beat hosts Belfast Giants in the Elite League thanks to Cole Sanford (2) and Evan Mosey.

The Devils are now level with leaders Sheffield Steelers, who do have two games in hand.