SWINDON Wildcats suffered their first pre-season defeat as they fell short to the visiting Bracknell Bees.

After a fiery first period between the two sides, Bracknell drww first blood through a powerplay chance, finished via a tap-in from forward Ryan Watt.

The visitors were handed two game mis-conducts before the end of the first period and it took just seconds into the middle period for the Cats to capitalise on this advantage.

A five-on-three powerplay gave Aaron Nell his first from a redirect in front of goal.

Bees' Watt claimed his second on a powerplay slapshot from the back post and two became three moments later, as a slapshot from distance would beat Lyle and for Bracknell's Jan Bendik to claim his first.

After several chances on the visiting net, Wildcats defenceman Stevie Whitfield finally saw his backhand beat Tom Annetts and bring the home side within one.

But despite a dominant third period, the Cats could find no way through as Annets proved on several occasions why he is his side's first-choice netminder.

Wildcats were at Bracknell for the return Challenge tonight (6pm) and will take to home ice again next Saturday as they get their season underway by hosting the Chelmsford Chieftains in a new-look cup fixture.