SWINDON Wildcats know tonight’s Challenge Cup visit to Wightlink Raiders will be no small test.

Despite facing lower-league competition, the match poses its own problems as Swindon will be playing on a rink that is much smaller than they are used to.

Head coach Ryan Aldridge has described the Planet Ice rink as a ‘pond,’ as it is nearly half the size of the rink at the Link Centre, which could cause problems for the Cats.

Swindon go into the tie with regained confidence after claiming their first league home win of the season against Milton Keynes Lightning on Wednesday night.

Despite a slow start, the Cats fought from two goals down before captain Jan Kostal stepped up a minute into over-time to claim the 5-4 win for the hosts.

That was the Cats’ first victory in front of their home fans since they last played Wightlink early last month when they came out 3-0 victors and Aldridge will be looking for the same result this time out.

“Saturday is going to be a tough game. Not a lot of the guys, if any, have ever played on a rink that small, it’s tiny,” said Aldridge.

“The rink is like a pond, if Henrik (Sandvik) got up to full speed he would probably run through the boards at the other end. It’s a very difficult place to play.

“We have got to get off lots of shots, there is no doubt about that, and we have got to have guys driving the net for rebounds, there is no skill involved in that game.

“On Sunday, (against Invicta Dynamos) that is probably one of the better teams in that league. They play very aggressively, but they’re two games we should get points from.”

Ice Hockey Live with Matthew Edwards from the Isle of Wight shortly before 6pm tonight and with Dan Barnes from the Link Centre tomorrow. Log on to www. swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport