SWINDON Wildcats player-coach Aaron Nell says he has seen a marked improvement in his side after they registered a 5-2 win over the Bracknell Bees in the NIHL Cup.

Chris Jones, Joe Hazeldine, Max Birbraer, Jan Kostal and Phil Hill all got themselves on the scoresheet, in a combative affair at the Link Centre.

Nell had previously stated that he wanted to see his troops find another level when they play at home, and following the win, he thinks his players have done just that.

“It was a huge win and I think in the third period we were really good, we’ve been a good third period side so far this season and we were again tonight,” he said.

“It’s hugely important, we knew we just had to stick at it and we got a big goal from Joe and we’ve shut games down well so far.

“It shows progression from us, I’m really happy with the game and we are on a good little roll.

“We’ve had a tough four games and we have a tough game tomorrow night, in a short space of time and we need to top it off with another win tomorrow.

“It was a much better home performance today and we have four or five players play the best game of the year so far.”

Imports Kostal and Birbraer were superb throughout the game with both managing to get among the goals, and Nell was quick to praise the experienced duo, as well as Renny Marr for their impact on proceedings so far this term.

“They had their best games of the season in different way, Jan did a great job on Frantisek Bakrlik and Max was just all over the place tonight,” he added.

“Those type of games are the reason we bought them both back at the end of last season and they are both a big part of why we won.

“Renny has been great since he came in over the summer too and he has kept us in games with some unbelievable saves.

“Tonight the one in the first period was fantastic, he’s been very calm and he’s been under a lot of pressure after what happened in the summer, I couldn’t have asked for anymore from him.”