SWINDON Wildcats player-coach Aaron Nell believes it is make or break time for his team ahead of their crucial English Premier League Play-off clash with MK Lightning (7.45pm).

The Cats go into the Link Centre encounter on the back of Sunday’s damaging 3-1 defeat at Basingstoke Bison and are currently third in Group B with two points.

With one win so far, a 6-3 triumph at home to Hull Pirates last Saturday, Nell’s side need to win their remaining three fixtures if they are to make a strong case for the play-off final weekend in Coventry on April 8-9.

Tonight’s opponents are top of the group having dispatched the Wildcats with ease at Planet Ice a week ago, in addition to wins over Hull Pirates and Basingstoke Bison last weekend.

Ahead of the clash at the Link Centre, Nell has not shied away from highlighting the importance of the game.

“It’s a huge night. We have three massive games this week and it starts tonight,” said Nell.

“We have to win all three games, but it is still in our hands.

“It’s crunch time.We are still in it. Obviously it is going to be tough but that is what it’s meant to be.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge and we will have to see how we go. If we play hard we will have a chance.”

The Wildcats came up against Milton Keynes twice at home in the Premier League last month and managed to record two wins, the most recent being a 6-2 win on February 24.

Nell believes his troops can draw confidence from those results as they look to reignite their play-off bid.

“Now we have to make sure we perform every game. If we stick together, we will have a chance, especially as we are going to be at home,” he added.

“We have beaten Milton Keynes twice this season so we know we can do it. It’s not an impossible task but it is definitely going to be a very tough one.

“If we play like we can, we have the ability to beat anyone.”

Nell will have a full roster to pick from apart from Jordan Kelsall, who is on international duty with Great Britain U18s.