PLAYER-COACH Aaron Nell believes that if the Swindon Wildcats reproduce their opening night performance for the rest of the season they can have plenty to look forward to in the English Premier League despite going down 4-3 at home to Guildford Flames.

Swindon produced a strong display in their season opener this evening but were always playing catch-up at the Link Centre, with Guildford’s two-goal cushion in the final period proving just too big a gap for the Cats to claw back.

Although disappointed at having to wait a little while longer to get off the mark this term, Nell is confident that his team are already on the pathway to success.

“It was just a very good hockey game,” said Nell.

“We were playing a very experienced team and we just had a few big breakdowns that they really pounced upon and they were always just ahead in the game. The last goal was one step too far but we played well.

“It was one of those games where if we’d won, we’d have deserved it, but they won and they deserved it.

“Obviously we wanted to get that first win out the way but it wasn’t to be.

“You won’t get many better first games of the year than that and if we play 53 more games like that, we will be fine.

“We went hard at them and they came hard back at us. We left it all out there and when that happens, you can’t point any fingers.

“It was good game and they were just that little bit more clinical than us and that’s why they won.”

The Cats found themselves behind after just 16 seconds of the match as Ben Campbell broke the deadlock, although youngster Kyle Smith ensured the scores were level at the end of the first period.

Guildford’s Jeremy Lundin and Jonas Hoog traded strikes early in period two but further Flames goals from Campbell and Marcus Kristoffersson either side of the second buzzer proved decisive.

Although Cats captain Jan Kostal netted to give his side hope in the closing stages, it was not quite enough for the home side.

“That early goal obviously wasn’t part of the plan but we recovered really well from that,” added Nell.

“The next five minutes we were the better team but then they had a five-on-three and if they score then, we’re in big trouble, but we had a great kill.

“We had three great periods and we out-shot them – I can’t remember the last time we out-shot Guildford. We had a lot of good opportunities and we were good in their end but the goalie made some really good saves.”