SWINDON Wildcats made it seven wins in a row as they defeat Telford Tigers 2-1 in the Autumn Cup at the Link Centre this evening.

Aaron Nell’s side came into this cup clash in fine form having won their previous six matches – including a 4-1 success at the Ice Rink in Telford in the NIHL Cup.

The game is Shropshire was a feisty affair which left Toms Rutkis requiring surgery to a jaw, while the West Mercia Police are investigating an incident from that game.

Cats came flying out of the blocks in the Autumn Cup clash at the Link Centre as former Tiger Sam Zajac opened the scoring after just 62 seconds when he tucked away a lovely pass from skipper Jan Kostal.

The game then became quite niggly as both sides had three players sent to the penalty box, mainly for tripping offences.

Ricky Plant, who had three stints in the box during the game, went close to levelling the scores as his effort hits the pipes in the 18th minute.

After the first interval, the game settled in a tame contest with both sides lacking an edge.

In the 25th minute, Max Birbraer nearly doubled the Cats lead, however, he was denied by a fantastic save from Denis Bell.

As the second period drew to a close, Floyd Taylor went close for the hosts, while Jack Watkins had a chance for Telford, who host Wildcats tomorrow night.

In the final session of the game, the Tigers drew level in the 43rd minute their skipper Jason Silverthorn found the net after being put in by Adam Taylor.

Cats regained their lead early in the 51 minute when Floyd Taylor drilled the puck home after being played in by Neil Liddiard.

Tigers went searching for leveller later in the match as they pulled netminder Bell for the final minute of the game, but they could not find the target.