SWINDON Wildcats began their Charity Challenge against Bracknell Bees with a 3-2 win at home in last night’s first leg.

The contest between the NIHL South One rivals is serving to raise funds for Young Epilepsy, with the first of two matches taking place at the Link Centre on New Year’s Day before concluding in Bracknell on Wednesday.

The home side had the better of an even first period, with Sam Bullas getting the only goal in the closing stages to give Aaron Nell’s side a narrow 1-0 lead.

Bullas then got his second goal of the game as the second session got under way, however, Bracknell gave themselves a lifeline just before the buzzer sounded when Scott Spearing got them on the scoreboard for the first time.

Less than a minute of the third period had passed before the Bees drew level as Shaun Thompson hit the back of the net.

However, Swindon ensured they would take a narrow lead into this evening’s second leg on the road when Max Birbraer struck with less than 90 seconds left on the clock on the night.

The charity Challenge concludes with the second leg at the Bees’ John Nike Leisure Complex tonight (Face-Off 6pm).