PLAYER-COACH Aaron Nell says his troops were back up to their usual standards after they completed a 6-2 win over Streatham IHC at the Link Centre.

A fantastic opening period saw the Cats charge into a 3-0 lead, with Edgars Bebris, Stevie Whitfield and import Max Birbraer all finding the back of the net.

In the second, Luc Johnson and Sam Bullas were also on target as they went into the final instalment with a four-goal cushion as the scoreboard read 5-1.

Streatham then added a second after the restart, only for Johnson to get his second of the game and seal the home victory.

Following their 3-3 draw with Telford Tigers in the National Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, Nell says it was good to see his side return to winning ways in front of a home crowd.

“I thought the first two periods were really good from us, we scored some great goals and I think we were in control going into the third period,” said Nell.

“We weren’t as good in the third period but I think a little bit of tiredness got to us.

“You never want to slip off, but we were in a commanding position. Streatham came at us hard, we knew they would do that and we put ourselves in bad situations.

“We got through it, it’s a big two points and I felt it was important that we were able to get a win at home.”

Club captain Jan Kostal was rested for the game, as was the case for their win over Invicta Dynamos on Thursday evening.

Nell admits that the import will be managed carefully for the rest of the season, and is looking to bring him back into action for the second leg of their National Cup semi final on Tuesday.

Whitfield has been captain in his absence and Nell says the experienced D-man has more than stepped up to the plate.

“With Jan out of the line-up he (Whitfield) has been captain and he scored a great goal, we were joking in the break that he doesn’t get many,” He added.

“I’m delighted for Stevie. Hopefully Jan is back for Tuesday, we didn’t want to risk him this weekend but I am hopeful he will come back to the line-up.”