SWINDON Wildcats kicked-off their pre-season schedule with a win as they slayed the Bracknell Bees 4-2 at the Link Centre.

Player coach Aaron Nell returned to the ice for the first time since recovering from a shoulder injury which required surgery and ruled him out for much of last season.

Things didn’t quite go to plan for the Cats in front of an expectant home crowd, as they slipped to a 1-0 deficit early on when Matt Foord found the back of the net.

However, Swindon were soon up and running when new signing Luc Johnson got his first goal for the club in the 10th minute of the game.

One then became two for the hosts who were growing into the game nicely.

Kyle Smith was the man to put the Wildcats ahead, when he slotted home after a flowing move.

The second period saw the Wildcats lose their two-goal lead when Frantisek Bakrlik was able to get the visitors back in contention.

The Cats got back on the front foot through Jordan Kelsall when he lashed home Swindon’s fourth in the 38th minute to make the score 4-2.

Speaking after the game, Nell says he was more than happy with the test provided by the Bracknell Bees at the Link Centre, and that there is still plenty of work to do.

“I was happy, the first game is always tough. I saw a lot of good things out there and there is a lot of things that we will improve on,” said Nell.

“Match fitness will come but I am very happy with how we played, worked and stuck together.

“We always knew it was going to be a competitive game against Bracknell and tomorrow will be the same.

“That is why we picked Bracknell for the first weekend, there is no point in it if the game isn’t going to be competitive.

“It was a good game and a perfect way to start the season.”

Nell was also encouraged to be back on the ice, but says there is still a long way to go before he is back to his best.

“I was okay for me, it was always going to be tough for me because I haven’t played in 10 months,” he added.

“It will take me a little while to get going for sure, I just have to work hard. I made a couple of mistakes out there but I’m going to give myself a pass because I haven’t played in so long.”