SWINDON Wildcats needed overtime to record an impressive win over MK Lightning at the Link Centre.

After a goalless first period, Ben Nethersell put the home side in the driving seat in the 28th minute, before the Cats were pegged back late on.

As the game went into overtime it was Toms Rutkis, who has recently returned from injury, who clinched the win in the 61st minute with a composed finish from the left.

The Wildcats were out looking to redeem themselves from last week’s disappointing 8-2 home defeat at the hands of Telford Tigers.

They were boosted by the return of teenager Ollie Stone, who was making his first appearance since his horrific injury away to Hull Pirates.

The game was at a frantic pace from the beginning and didn’t slow for the entirety of the opening period.

Both sides exchanged blows, but neither could mount the telling strike as the first period ended as it began with neither team getting on the score sheet.

Stevie Lyle was impressive as always with the veteran chipping in with vital stops to keep the visitors at bay.

At times the Wildcats looked like they could be susceptible to a counter attack, but often recovered well as they finished the half at 0-0.

The second period was a much slower affair than the first and the hosts found themselves under some pressure early on as MK began to turn the screw.

Jonas Hoog was then caught in the face by a high stick, which saw Lewis Christie given a match penalty.

Sam Bullas also left the ice as he looked in discomfort following an injury he picked up in the opening 20 minutes of the game.

Aaron Nell’s side now had the perfect chance to get their noses in front with a five minute power play.

Max Birbraer went close after some patient build up saw the puck fall to him, only for his effort to be too tame to cause any problems.

But the Wildcats’ persistence paid dividends in the 28th minute when Nethersell popped up with the game’s opening goal.

Hoog and Tomasz Malasinski both came close with fine solo efforts, but neither were able to grab the all important second goal as it ended 1-0 to the Cats.

 Understandably the Wildcats were a little cagey in the final period as they looked to protect a one goal lead.

As the game entered its final 10 minutes Swindon were relying on Lyle and the defence to see out the game.

Two good saves from the net minder meant the score remained 1-0 to the Wildcats, who returned to winning ways at the Link Centre.

With eight minutes left Nell’s troops were left in a precarious situation as Kyle Smith and Stevie Whitfield  were given two minute penalties for high sticking and tripping respectively.

With six minutes left on the clock the Cats were unable to keep their opponents out any longer as Lewis Hook made the most of the power play to claw his team level and send the game into overtime.

After both sides traded blows in overtime it was Rutkis who popped up with the all important winner for the Wildcats.