JAN Kostal came to Swindon Wildcats’ rescue in Sheffield on Friday night, netting a winning goal with less than two minutes remaining in the club’s latest National League tie against Steeldogs.

Aaron Nell’s side certainly earned two points the hard way.

After taking the lead five minutes into the middle period through Toms Rutkis, Cats were pegged back following goals for Nathan Salem and Vladimir Luka before the start of the third.

Remarkably, Sam Bullas and Nell combined just 18 seconds after Steeldogs’ second marker to level the contest with one period remaining.

The visitors survived a tripping penalty on Rutkis before Kostal netted Cats’ winner with one minute and 12 seconds left on the clock.

Player-coach Nell said: “It wasn’t the best game.

“We definitely weren’t at our best, and I’m sure they (Sheffield) will say the same.

“Sheffield are a good team, they’re difficult to play against. It’s a big two points for us, any win on the road is massive.”

The win will serve as a confidence boost ahead of Leeds’ visit to the Link Centre tomorrow night with the club no doubt wanting to maintain their unbeaten competitive run at home this season.

Nell added: “Leeds will be confident and we need to make sure we play better than on Friday.

“The desire and work rate was there, though - some of our blocked shots were unbelievable.

“We got three scrappy goals against Sheffield, and sometimes you have to do that - especially against a good netminder.

“I’m happy for Jan (Kostal), he’s doing us a massive player and he will be cherished in Swindon for a long time.”