SWINDON Wildcats player-coach Aaron Nell reckons his side are good shape following Saturday night’s 6-3 win against Bracknell Bees at the Link Centre.

Two goals apiece for Nell and fellow forward Edgar Bebris, plus markers from Sam Godfrey and Jordan Kelsall, saw the Cats romp into a 6-0 lead just 24 minutes into their latest NIHL South One fixture.

Although many would have anticipated Swindon to score more, the visitors fought back and halved the lead before the final buzzer.

And a pleased Nell was satisfied to end what was a heated game at times without any unnecessary injuries or penalties.

He said: “We started the game well, but we weren’t as good in the second half.

“We’re delighted to get the win and come through the game unscathed.

“They were the better side in the second half of the game.

“We didn’t want any bad penalties or injuries in the third period, we just wanted to get through the game. But we were disappointed to lose the third.”

Regular rotation on the ice became apparent towards the end of the game for the Cats as Nell looked to keep legs fresh within his team ahead of Friday’s Autumn Cup Final first leg away at Basingstoke.

Netminder Renny Marr was replaced towards the end of the third period by Matthew Smital, while everyone earned ice time in the final 20.

Nell said: “We had everyone in tonight and used the whole bench in the final 20 to rest guys where we can, it’s been a long season.

“We’re fine. We’re used to it.

“Everyone is in good shape, it’s been good to have a normal schedule in the past couple of weeks.

“We didn’t want a postponement on Friday, but it might be a blessing to allow us to rest.

“We scored four or five nice goals, we’ll take that into next weekend.

“We worked on build up play in practice this week.

“Being close, supportive and playing with speed is key. When we play with speed we’re dangerous. It’s something we’re working on and we want to continue it next week.”