SWINDON Wildcats made it three home wins out of three in the National League at the start of the season following a five-star success over Bracknell Bees on Saturday night.

Following previous triumphs over London side Raiders and Peterborough Phantoms at the Link Centre, Aaron Nell’s side followed it up with another over their rivals from east along the M4.

There was little to choose between the two sides for much of the match and only one goal arrived in each of the opening two periods before the Cats finally took control of the contest for good in the final session.

Swindon player-coach Nell said: “I am very happy with the team.

“It was very similar to last Saturday against Peterborough in terms of our intensity and our commitment. I thought we were always in control of the game.

“To finish the way we did was great and to get a shut-out in this league is no mean feat but that’s two in a row and we are very proud of the team.

“The defence was a massive part of the win. That’s three games in a row where we haven’t let a goal in five-on-five.

“I am proud of the defensive unit, they are working extremely hard. To lose Sam Jones over the summer was tough but they are all chipping in to replace him and they have been fantastic.

“They are a very committed group and they have a lot of pride. I was happy with the whole team's performance but especially the defence and Renny (Marr, netminder).”

Edgars Bebris broke the deadlock for Swindon in the first session before player-coach Nell doubled his side’s advantage in the second.

The home side were able to pull further clear in the third period as Polish import Tomasz Malasinski hit the back of the net.

At the other end, the Swindon defence remained water-tight and even managed to hold firm despite twice playing with just three skaters on the ice after a flurry of penalties in quick succession.

After surviving that siege, the Cats then killed off Bracknell for good in the closing stages with further goals from Chris Jones and youngster Jason Warren to wrap up a convincing victory.

Nell added:  “I think it was closer than 5-0 suggests.

"It was tough out there, especially in the first period. To get the goal in the second period put us in control.”

Swindon go back on the road on Sunday and travel to Romford-based Raiders.