SWINDON Wildcats netminder Matt Smital says competition for places with Renny Marr is nothing but beneficial for both players.

Following the departure of Stevie Lyle and Matt Crisp over the summer, the Link Centre side were forced to acquire some bodies between the pipes for the start of the season.

Teenager Marr was the first to arrive when he signed in May before Smital filled the club’s final netminding spot by agreeing to join a month later.

During the course of the season both Marr and Smital have been utilised by player-coach Aaron Nell and the latter says he is enjoying his time at the club.

“I feel pretty good, especially when I get given the opportunity to play and when I have, I thought the players in front of me played really well,” said the 18-year-old, who also praised netminding coach Dan Brabon.

“Getting wins is important for us, I feel like there is a really good atmosphere in the changing rooms as well, so I am enjoying it so far.

“I think it is good me and Renny have that healthy competition because it pushes us both to become better and we are always learning off of each other.

“Having Renny to compete with is the best thing for me because I am constantly learning from him.

“Dan is good you know, I’m learning something new every time he is there, and I feel like he has helped me improve a lot.”

After a 3-1 success against Basingstoke Bison last time out, Smital says there is an air of confidence growing at the club, ahead of their clash with London Raiders on Saturday evening, before making the trip to Cardiff Fire on Sunday.

Saturday’s fixture will be the club’s first at the Link Centre for almost two weeks and the teenager is eager to get back out in front of home supporters.

“It is always nice to play in front of our home crowd, they always make a great atmosphere and they’re big supporters which is great to play in front of,” he said. “It’s nice not to have to travel as much because it can get pretty tiring, so it is good to be back at home again.

“We’ve played against London Raiders once already and they are a really good side.

“They bring good intensity, from the last time they gave us a good game and it will be tough to play against them.

“Last weekend gave us a lot of confidence and we are feeling so much better now.”