SWINDON npower Wildcats made the perfect start to their EPL play-off challenge with a 2-1 triumph over Bracknell Bees at the Link Centre.

Cats took the lead with a cracking goal, imports Tomas Janak and John Wheaton combining before the former smashed the puck past Gregg Rockmann in the Backnell goal.

The hosts dominated the first period and would have added to their tally if not for the heroics of Rockmann, who turned away 13 shots in the first 20 minutes.

Bracknell found their skates in the second period and hit back through Adam Bicknell at 22.22.

The lead lasted a little less than a minute, as Adam Brittle fed Michael Farn, and the defenceman moved forward before shooting bewteen the legs of Rockmann.

Cats defended brilliantly for the remainder of the match, and despite running into penalty problems late on, were well worth their win.

Swindon scorers - Farn and Janak 1 goal, 0 assists, Wheaton and Brittle 0+1 Period scores - Cats 1 Bees 0; 1-1; 0-0.
Shots on goal - Cats 33 Bees 35
Penalty minutes - Cats 22 Bees 10
Man of the Match - Nathan Craze

Cats travel to Bracknell tomorrow evening for the second of their play-off matches. See Monday's Swindon Advertiser for a full round-up of the weekend action.