Coach Aaron Nell proud of players as Swindon Wildcats' play-off push ends in controversy

The Cats defeated the Phantoms 4-2 on home ice on Saturday before coming from two goals down to win 6-4 on the road tonight, making an aggregate score of 10-6 in their favour.

However, the Phantoms were the team to progress after Swindon registered teenager Joshua Francis Kelly as a player for the first leg at the Link Centre.

Although Kelly didn’t take to the ice and remained on the bench throughout, the NIHL announced in hours before face-off on Sunday that his involvement was in breach of the rules and Swindon’s 4-2 first leg win had been changed to a 5-0 defeat.

Cats coach Nell said: “I couldn’t be more proud of the players and the fans, they were fantastic.

“For us and the sport, it’s very tough. The fans stuck by us and the players were unbelievable.

“It would have been easy for them to pack it in and not bother but we had a shot at the end.

"All I can do is credit the players. Peterborough is the toughest rink to play in.

“We only registered the kid to help him experience situations from the bench. It’s our fault, not his.”

Taking to the ice knowing they’d have to score at least five goals to force overtime, the Cats made an energetic start with Phil Hill and Sam Bullas particularly fired up.

But their mountain was made even tougher to climb as Peterborough established a two-goal lead through Will Weldon’s brace, meaning Swindon trailed by seven goals.

Chris Jones pulled one back for the visitors before Bullas scored twice to put Swindon a goal ahead on the night.

Nathan Salem levelled the tie – meaning the Cats trailed by five goals once more – before Nell hit a hat-trick inside 10 minutes.

Clearly shook, the Phantoms retreated into their own zone for the concluding 10 minutes.

Their defensive tactic worked as Swindon failed to score past Ewan King before Salem scored an empty net goal with seconds to go.