THE character shown by Swindon Wildcats to secure a four-point weekend at Sheffield Steeldogs this evening left player-coach Aaron Nell brimming with joy.

Having been humbled away at Bracknell Bees a week prior, Nell was keen to see a response from his side, but even he couldn’t have imagined coming away with all available points.

After securing an impressive 6-2 win at home to Milton Keynes Lightning the night before, Cats headed to Sheffield in search of following it up.

An early goal from Adrian Palak put the visitors on the back foot but strikes from Tomasz Malasinski and Lee Richardson gave Swindon a first period lead.

That was turned on its head in the second period as Stanislav Lascek and Macaulay Heywood put the Steeldogs back in the driving seat.

However, Phil Hill and Max Birbraer put the Wildcats back in front in the third period before Robin Kovar wrapped it up with less than two minutes left.

“I’m very happy,” said Nell.

“After the game last Sunday, I would have taken a four-point weekend straight away.

“The boys have really bounced back and it was another very professional performance tonight.

“We weren’t at our best but we’re not going to be every night.

“Our powerplay was very good, it’s the best it has been in a very long time, and we got a big, big win.

“We had a good two minutes and then there was one break down and they got their goal.

“The first 30 minutes, I thought we were moving the puck the best we have moved it all year.

“Then we have had 10 slack minutes and they got back into the game.

“When you’re away, you play a little bit different, you don’t go as aggressive.

“We knew that we just had to have a good third period, and we did.

“Everyone played and played hard and I’m very proud of the team. It’s a tough place to come here and that’s a massive two points.”

The character of the team was summed up by captain Jan Kostal, who was throwing his body on the line in front of Stevie Lyle’s goal on numerous occasions and Nell is happy to have such an influential figure in his roster.

“It’s massive to have a player like Jan,” he added.

“Fair play to Jan, he stuck up for himself and our goalie and that’s why he is so valuable and why he is our captain and has played in the leagues he has played in.

“He has had a great career and that is the type of people we want here."