Swindon Wildcats fell second best to the league leading Telford Tigers, in a late drama affair at the Swindon Ice Arena.

A good night’s opening for the Tigers soon saw a the score broken and a couple netted both the for visitors. A low shot courtesy of Sam Zajac would open the scoring, before Joe Miller would direct a second in from close range.

Swindon Wildcats new boy Sam Oakford .

However a powerplay goal in the second period soon saw Swindon respond through the in form Aaron Nell. Despite being in the tightest of spots, forward Nell would shoot high and beat the glove of Sam Gospel to see Swindon back in the action.

With just minutes remaining in the period, the ‘Cats then found an equaliser and again on a powerplay chance. This time it would be Polish import Tomasz Malasinski who from the behind the net, would cut in and beat the netminder low to draw the game level.

However a powerplay for the travelling side would then see an almost instant reply, with Jason Silverthorn scoring in front of net with a wristshot past the blocker of Stevie Lyle.

An early third period goal would then see Telford restore their two goal lead, as import Blahosav Novak would see his redirect wrongfoot Lyle and net for the Tigers’ fourth.

But when the hosts netted courtesy of a quick release Toms Rutkis shot, Swindon soon found themselves within a goal to level.

However with the netminder pulled, Swindon could do all but land that equalising goal as an empty net score would eventually close out the game at the hands of Telford’s Max Birbraer. 

A tough result for the Swindon Wildcats will see the side travel to Bracknell tomorrow, when they take on the Bees in the second fixture of the weekend’s action.

Final Score: Swindon Wildcats 3 – 5 Telford Tigers

Man of the Match: SWI – Buglass / TEL – Gospel

Scott Gummerson – Press Officer with thanks.

Gallery:

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