SWINDON Wildcats opened their Autumn Trophy defence with a dominant 8-2 win over the Hull Pirates at the Link Centre. 

After a perfect pre-season programme, the Wildcats were hoping to carry that form over into their domestic competitions, starting with the Autumn Cup.

The reigning champions got off to an ideal start at home as they finished the opening period with a two-goal advantage.

Neil Liddiard looked as if he was going to be an unlikely scorer when he wiggled free of two Hull defencemen before clipping the post with his shot.

Summer signing Adam Harding marked his return to the Link Centre with a goal, he showed good reactions to fling his stick at the puck to poke home in the 14th minute.

Less than a minute later, the hosts doubled their lead through player-coach Aaron Nell as he was afforded all the time in the world to pick his spot and score.

Moments later, opposition netminder Tomas Fucik let his emotions get the better of him as he flipped his net in frustration

In the second instalment, the Cats were equally affective as they bagged another quick-fire double to further strengthen their grip on the game.

Sam Jones popped up with the first in the 29th minute, he signed off a superb sweeping move from the home side to notch.

Adam Harding was instrumental, he burst down the right before sling the puck into Jones who had to apply the finish.

Twenty-two seconds later, Edgars Bebris added his name to the scoresheet as he managed to catch up with the puck while it was moving away from goal, to hook past Fucik.

In the third and final period, Pirates were forced to play without Matt Davies after he received a game misconduct penalty.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Hull hit back with their first goal of the game as Jason Hewitt found a way past Renny Marr.

However, Swindon retaliated quickly through Harding, who scored less than a minute later to restore the Wildcats’ four-goal advantage.

In the final 10 minutes Hull grabbed a second goal. This time it was Sam Towner who notched after a decent strike from range snuck inside the far post.

Chris Jones managed to open his goalscoring account for the season deep into the final stages, getting Swindon’s sixth when he stabbed at the puck after Fucik spilled it.

Loris Taylor snatched a late goal before Harding completed his hat-trick to sign off an accomplished performance from the hosts.