CAPTAIN Jan Kostal was the difference between the two sides as a depleted Swindon Wildcats claimed a well earned 4-3 win over Peterborough Phantoms.

After calming the early storm from Peterborough the visitors were able to snatch a lead through vice-captain Stevie Whitfield.

The home side responded strongly and goals from Milan Baranyk, James Ferrara and Luke Ferrara giving them a commanding lead.

The Cats pulled a goal back before the start of the third period when Alex Symonds netted in the 31st minute before Aaron Nell made it level on 48 minutes.

It was Kostal who wrapped up the fifth victory on the bounce for the Wildcatts as he fired home from close range to give the Cats a hard fought win.

In October the Cats had a mountain to climb after conceding four first period goals so they were keen to make a better start to proceedings and did well to halt the early Phantoms charge.

After keeping the hosts quiet for the first eight minutes it was Whitfield who opened the scoring as he was found by Henrik Sandvik to fire home from a central position.

The visitors continued to play a well disciplined game of hockey but it was Baranyk who got the hosts back level on 15 minutes.

He went around the back of the net and was allowed to get a shot away. Lyle saved his first attempt but was unable to hold onto the puck and Baranyk was on hand with the follow-up.

The hosts have turned the game on its head tow minutes later.

The puck fell to James Ferrara on the left, just inside the blue line, and he fired hard over the right shoulder of Lyle into the roof of the net with the veteran goalie given no chance.

The home team further extended their lead five minutes into the second period when Luke Ferrara was able to tap home from just a couple of yards out.

Swindon remained in the tie though going into the third period when Symonds turned home on 31 minutes.

Adam Finlinson, who continued to impress as he stood in for the guys on international duty, forced a good save from Auzins.

However the D-man, who played five games for Peterborough, was able to pounce on the rebound.

With Edgars Apelis in the sin bin for interference the Cats were able to pull the game back level through Nell.

The forward was given far too much time to take aim, just 22 seconds into the power play, and he made no mistake with a fine shot.

And it was the captain who was able to give the visitors the win as Nell saw a shot blocked by Auzins but the Czech player was on hand to poke the puck home through a field of bodies.

Peterborough pulled their goalie Auzins in the final two minutes but the WIldcats were able to hold on to take all the points and extend their unbeaten run.