SWINDON Wildcats opened their play-off account with a convincing 6-3 win over Hull Pirates at the Link Centre.

Max Birbrear registered a hat-trick while Floyd Taylor, Thomasz Malasinski and Jordan Kelsall completed the scoring.

Wildcats had a welcome boost as Sam Bullas returned to the line-up for the first time since early February after recovering from an ankle injury.

But it looked as if it was going to be a long day at the office for the Wildcats as they fell behind within 14 seconds of the game starting.

Sam Towner’s smart finish meant the Cats got off to a less than desirable start in their first home play-off clash.

But Taylor was able to restore parity in the ninth minute when he stayed alert enough to latch onto Neil Liddiard’s spilled effort.

Less than 20 seconds later Aaron Nell’s side were in the lead for the first time as Birbraer continued his good form with an unassisted goal.

Malasinski made it three when his effort trickled into the net despite Vlastimil Lakosil making an initial save. The second period was a quieter affair, but it was the Wildcats who would score the only goal from the 20 minutes.

Birbraer continued his good spell of form, when he scored his sixth goal in four games in the 31st minute of the game to out the Wildcats 4-1.

A great pass from Jonas Hoog picked out the 36-year-old who only had to apply the finish to a gaping goal as the Wildcats headed into the final period with a three goal advantage.

In the final installment of the game Pirates were able to bring the Wildcats back to within two goals when Tommi Laine hit a thumping shot to top off a sweeping move.

Luckily for the Cats Birbraer was on hand to restore their three goal advantage with his third of the night in the 46th minute.

It was a great goal from the Wildcats, Birbraer broke clear before trading passes with Hill, who laid it off for Birbraer to lash home.

Just as it looked like the Wildcats were going to see out a comfortable win, the Pirates hit back for the third time.

A scramble around the goal was eventually punished when Lee Bonner stabbed home with five minutes left to play.

But as the game began to stretch the Wildcats pounced for the last time as Kelsall got on the end of Hoog’s searching pass to drive home Swindon’s sixth.