SUNDAY was Groundhog Day for Swindon Wildcats as they again went down 3-2 to Bracknell Bees.

In ‘Cats’ final challenge fixture before the beginning of 2014/15 season it was the same scoreline as the previous night at the Link.

A mistouch by netminder Stevie Lyle soon gave the home side the lead with just minutes gone. Then with just seconds left of the first 20 Bracknell doubled their advantage, as forward Matt Towalski found the net with a placed wrist shot.

A tight second period would see neither side net, despite both showing strong efforts in what was a tense middle 20 minutes.

It was the Bees who found themselves 3-0 up after a powerplay in the 49th minute led to a strike from import Pavel Strycek.

Despite being down with just over 15 minutes remaining Lee Richardson showed a good eye for goal to give his side a glimmer of hope. A pinpoint pass from fellow line mate Sam Bullas, allowing Richardson to shoot past netminder Alex Mettam.

Just two minutes later and a powerplay chance gave Swindon their second through Jan Kostal. A quick pass from line mate Aaron Nell went about setting up the Czech star, who would fire in the puck to bring his side within one.

However, with time against them, much like the previous, night ‘Cats could not force a leveller.

A tough result means Swindon have seen both wins and losses over the pre-season challenge fixtures as they head into the 2014/15 campaign with the Chelmsford Chieftains next Saturday evening.