THE Swindon Wildcats opened their 2014/15 campaign in style as they recorded two victories in as many days.

In a new-look cup competition, which now includes teams from the league below as well as the EPL, Swindon welcomed the Chelmsford Chieftains on Saturday night.

Many thought that the Cats would run out easy winners, but with the Chieftains leading 1-0 after two periods of action, a big upset was on the cards.

Sam Bullas finally found a way past Chelmsford netminder Euan King from close range early in the final frame. This then opened the flood gates as Ollie Betteridge and new import Tomasz Malasinski fired home moments later to give the hosts a comfortable 3-1 lead.

Aaron Nell sealed the deal scoring into an empty net with 20 seconds remaining.

Despite winning 4-1, it was a very tough game for the Cats but ultimately their superior skill and fitness showed through 60 minutes on hockey.

A very tough trip to Manchester to face the Phoenix on Sunday opened the sides' EPL season.

Manchester scored early in what turned out to be a relatively quiet opening period with James Archer finding a way past Stevie Lyle.

The home side doubled their lead early in the second when the impressive Frantisek Bakrlik gave the Wildcats a big hill to climb.

Swindon didn't give up and stuck to head coach Ryan Aldridge's obvious game plan. They were soon rewarded when Polish forward Malasinski scored on the powerplay to end the second period with Manchester leading 2-1.

The equalising goal came early in the third session as Betteridge slammed home a rebound to set up an exciting finale.

Michal Psurny soon put the hosts back in front, but Aaron Nell scored on a breakaway to take an entertaining game into overtime.

A scoreless extra five minutes meant the game was settled on penalty shots and the Cats' imports Jan Kostal and Tomasz Malasinski both kept their nerve to hit the target.

For Malasinski it was a great first weekend in the red and white jersey.

Despite not playing their best on either day, it was a phenomenal start for the Wildcats. This weekend they face a tough double-header against the Guildford Flames.