SWINDON Wildcats player-coach Aaron Nell was unhappy with how his team were outplayed in their 4-1 defeat to a strong Basingstoke Bison, a defeat that cost them progress in the English Premier League Cup.

The home side took the lead in the first five minutes when Aaron Connolly was able to slot the puck past Stevie Lyle in the first period.

The second half was more of the same as Rene Jarolin doubled their advantage in the opening exchanges of second period.

Ciaran Long then added a third in the middle period as the home side took a 3-0 lead into the final stage of the game.

Swindon were able to claim a late consolation through Stevie Whitfield, before Jarolin got his second of the game with 20 seconds left to play.

After a positive previous weekend of results , Nell was disappointed with their performance and claims his players were flat at the Basingstoke Arena as they failed to get the win that would have earned a semi final spot.

“Of course it wasn’t the result we wanted, I think they were there for the taking today but in the end they competed harder than us,” said Nell.

“That’s why they won the league last year, that is why they are above us in the table and are probably going to go forward in the cup.

“It was a great opportunity tonight and we didn’t take it which is very disappointing, we knew they were going to come.

“At the start of the game we were the better team in the first period and then we came out in the second period and we were flat.”

Looking to Sunday’s game away to the Telford Tigers, Nell admits they can’t draw too many positives from their performance.

“We had nothing to lose tonight, there wasn't too many positives to take from the game but we did keep it close,” added Nell

“It was the biggest game of the season and we didn’t turn up, if we want to be successful as team going forward we can’t have passengers and there was a few too many tonight.

“If we don’t turn up tomorrow (Sunday) night then it will be ugly, we have to come together, work hard and perform.”