SWINDON Wildcats slipped to a rare home defeat as they were beaten 2-0 by the Peterborough Phantoms.

Aaron Nell’s side got off to a steady start which saw both netminders making crucial saves in the opening exchanges.

Phil Hill, Thomasz Malasinski and Adam Finlinson all had their efforts saved as the Wildcats continued to search for the all important breakthrough.

The game developed further into a fast tempo, which saw both teams go all out to take the lead.

But it was the visitors who were able to take the initiative at the end of the first period.

The Wildcats will be slightly disappointed in the way they fell behind as a defensive lapse allowed Martins Susters to creep around the back before lashing the puck past Stevie Lyle.

Sadly for the hosts, they suffered a sucker punch at the beginning of the second period when Ales Padeleck doubled the Phantoms’ lead.

Swindon then began to apply pressure on Janis Auzins’ net, but the shot stopper was more than up to the task as he pulled off a fantastic double save to deny Malasinski and Hill.

Nell’s side were then presented the perfect chance to get back into the game when duo Auzins and Samuel Towner were both handed two minute penalties.

However despite the numerical advantage on the ice, the hosts was unable to capitalise as the Phantoms held on to their two goal lead.

The final period began with both sides looking for the next goal, but Swindon weren’t helped by Stevie Whitfield who was given a two minute penalty for tripping.

Fortunately the Phantoms were unable to make the most of the opportunity, but may feel aggrieved after Stevie Lyle was able to produce a goal line clearance to keep the visitors at 2-0.

Toms Rutkis, who was making his return from injury had thought he snatched a goal for the Cats, but his effort was ruled out for high sticking.

Nell’s troops continued to search for a route back into the game, but were unable to do so as the Phantoms picked up both points at the Link Centre.