SWINDON Wildcats have been unsuccessful in their appeal against the controversy that saw their NIHL play-off quest come to an end yesterday.

The Cats initially claimed a 4-2 victory over Peterborough Phantoms in the first leg of their South One play-off semi-final on Saturday, only for the club to be hit by a sanction by the English Ice Hockey Association for icing an illegible player at the Link Centre.

That result was subsequently changed to a 5-0 Phantoms win and although the Cats won 6-4 in last night’s second leg at Planet Ice, it was not enough to overhaul the deficit.

Swindon lodged an appeal to overturn the league’s ruling this morning but that has proved unsuccessful, officially ending the club’s play-off ambitions.

A statement from the club read: “After the EIHA’s decision to reverse Saturday’s 4-2 win into a 5-0 loss for the Wildcats, an appeal was launched to the EIHA by GM Steve Nell.

“We have since been informed that our appeal was unsuccessful and the 5-0 loss on Saturday night will stand, and thus the Wildcats will not be taking up their place in the Regional Play-Off Finals.

“The club would like to again commend the players for the way they approached the game last night and the unbelievable way they performed on the ice considering the events of Sunday afternoon. They are a credit to the organisation.

“Likewise, the fans that travelled to Peterborough last night and nearly witnessed something very special. You can be proud of the way the team battled this weekend, and with another cup final on the horizon it’s very important to remember the 2017/18 season is still far from over.”

Swindon will now turn their attentions to the final of the NIHL Cup against Sheffield Steeldogs, with the first leg taking place on Wednesday, April 11 in Sheffield and the second leg on Sunday, April 15 in Swindon.