AARON Nell was pleased by the display from his Swindon Wildcats as they recorded a 5-2 win over Basingstoke Bison in the NIHL Cup at the Link Centre.

The Cats’ player coach reminded the fans of what they missed for much of last season, while he was sidelined with injury, as he led the line and bagged two goals for his troubles.

Neil Liddiard was the one to break the deadlock, while Luc Johnson and Max Birbraer also got on the scoresheet, with Birbraer sealing the win with just over 10 minutes to play.

A tense opening 20 minutes saw the first period end how it started, but that wasn’t a cause for concern according to Nell, who was more than happy to see his side not go behind early on.

“It was the response we wanted after last week and by far our best game we have played this season and we needed it,” he said.

“We have been saying all week that we needed a big game to get us going and hopefully that’s it.

“The first goal was always going to be important, they’re a good team and one of the top teams in this league, I thought we played well in the first period.”

After being clawed back to 1-1 midway through the second period, and then falling behind, Nell’s first goal proved to be well timed as the Wildcats went into the final period with the score at 2-2.

However, from here, the Wildcats proved to be the dominant force. Nell grabbed his second to re-establish a lead for the hosts, while Johnson and Birbraer further extended their margin of victory as the game wore on.

Nell was particularly pleased by the ruthless side shown by his team, and praised their attitude for sticking with the Bison in a scruffy second instalment.

“We didn’t expect to be up so early but we knew if we played hard for 20 minutes the goals would come,” he added.

“Luckily the goals came early and we were solid for the whole of the third period.

“Their goals were very unlucky on us, we didn’t get down and we responded well which showed what a good side we could be.

“We had a lot of chances and I think we were the better team for 60 minutes. When you do that, things will come.

“We worked hard for 60 minutes and against these top teams, and any other team, that is what you’ve got to do.”