WILDCATS conceded three goals inside just over seven minutes on their way to a 5-4 EPL defeat at home to Slough last night.

The hosts were previously well in control at 4-2 up in the third period and recent signings Henri Sandvik and Ollie Betteridge had both opened their goalscoring accounts.

But the Jets hit back with three quickfire efforts and Wildcats never seriously threatened in the closing stages, leaving Swindon D-man Paul Swindlehurst disappointed.

“I think it was the two quick goals at the beginning of the third that did it, I think we panicked a bit,” he said.

“That’s something we haven’t done in the last couple of weeks, but it caught up with us.

“After the first and second periods we felt good, even in the changing room we knew that we were doing well. But if you switch off against Slough for two minutes, that’s it, they can turn you over.

“It’s a big shame after Saturday night which was a gritty road win (at Slough), it was a shame they pulled it back.

“Good on them for not giving up but I think we had a bit more to give, there were fatigued bodies there and I think we’re missing Matias (Perkkio) a bit.”

Sandvik got Swindon off to the perfect start 52 seconds in when he tucked away the rebound from head coach Ryan Aldridge’s shot.

Shane Moore and Michael Wales exchanged punches before Mindy Kieras’ bin afforded Wildcats a chance they duly took, Sandvik teeing up Jonas Hoog and the Swede’s shot deflected into the roof of the net.

Frantisek Bakrlik got Slough back in it with a rapid wristshot that Tom Murdy had little chance with (17.49), only for Sandvik to finish off a fine solo effort seven seconds before the period was up, making it 3-1.

The second period was largely a quiet one, but Slough gained hope when Dan Davies’ shot was deflected past the wrong-footed Murdy (30.36).

Betteridge opened his account for the Wildcats when firing home from Nell and Sandvik (35.48), the latter’s second assist of the night.

However, in the third period it all went wrong for the home side. Moore was binned and Bakrlik swiftly grabbed his second of the evening (41.42), and 31 seconds later Darius Pliskauskas drew Slough level.

It was far from ideal for Swindon but what followed was even less so, Pliskauskas pouncing once more assisted by Kieras and player-coach Slava Koulikov.

Cats had further opportunities on the powerplay but were unable to make the most of them as legs began to tire, and Slough saw the game out.