SWINDON Wildcats player-coach Aaron Nell says his side produced their best period of the season as they blitzed the Telford Tigers in their NIHL Cup semi final.

After the opening fixture at the Link Centre last Wednesday, the tie was perfectly poised at 3-3 going into the second leg in Shropshire last night.

However, goals from Phil Hill, Jan Kostal, Edgars Bebris, Chris Jones and Max Birbraer meant the Cats sealed an impressive 5-1 away win, with most of the damage done in the second period at Telford Ice Rink.

The cup final, where they will now face the Sheffield Steeldogs, is their second of the season following their success in the Autumn Cup, much to the delight of Nell.

“It’s great to be in a second cup final. I think the game was one of the best performances we have had all year,” he said.

“I’m delighted for the players, the fans and the club.

“I thought we were okay in the first period, where we got a couple of goals at the end.

“In the second period I think we produced our best period of the year, we were dominant and very good.

“ The third period we were smart and solid. it was another great period.

“We have had a long couple of month so to be able to perform like that is credit to the players.”

Nell also hailed the return of skipper Kostal, who notched at the end of the first period to ensure the club led 2-1 at the start of the second instalment.

“We got two huge goals at the end of the first period,” added Nell.

“Sunday wasn’t our best game and we were desperate to get back out there against Telford.

“Jan was a huge boost before the game. His workrate, commitment and intensity were fantastic all game.

“He plays so hard and scored great goal, he hasn’t scored a goal like that in a while, so it was great to see him shooting again.”