CONFIDENCE is key to the Swindon Wildcats success according to captain Shane Moore.

The 26-year-old defenceman feels that the Link Centre side have struggled for consistency this term as they look to book their spot in the EPL play-offs.

But since the returns of both Great Britain international Aaron Nell and the experienced Lee Richardson, Moore says that the team are coming together.

“Since Christmas we have been a better team,” the former Great Britain Under 20 international said.

“We are team that thrives when we are confident and when we are on form and firing on all cylinders we can beat anybody.”

With a daunting trip to second place Manchester Phoenix coming up Sunday, Moore knows that a massive effort is going to be required to ensure that points return to the Link Centre.

And the local lad feels that GB netminder Stevie Lyle is a key part in achieving that success.

“He is crucial to us,” Moore said. “He is the best goalminder in the league and he is someone you can rely on.

“He’ll make that first save and then us as defenders clear the puck and we push forward.

“I’m a great believer in that you build a side from the back and that is what (coach) Ryan (Aldridge) has done in getting Stevie.”

But Cats will need more than their star goalie to see off the team looking to end the regular campaign on top.

Moore said: “I think they have only dropped one point on their own ice this year and that was in over-time.

“It is a really hard game, but if we can be at our best and have everyone firing then we can get the points.”

However, before Cats focus can turn to Manchester on Sunday, they welcome second-from-bottom Peterborough Phantoms to the Link Centre.

Swindon are keen to bounce back from last Sunday’s 4-1 defeat at Guildford Flames against a side they crushed 7-1 on their own rink in January.

“I don’t think we can read too much into that game,” Moore said. “We are not expecting to beat them 7-1 again this time.

“They are no pushovers and they will be looking to make amends from that game.

“But from our perspective we just have to focus on getting the win and the points so that we can start can start climbing up the table.

“We know that the top four is guaranteed, but the rest of the teams can finish anywhere between fifth and 10th, so it is up to us to finish as high as we can.”