THE Swindon Wildcats left it late to secure a weekend double that moves them within touching distance of the EPL play-offs.

Jan Vrtik's second goal of the season with just eight seconds remaining sealed a 2-1 win at struggling Wightlink Raiders last night, 24 hours after a crucial 4-3 home success against Chelmsford.

Cats went into the second game without Shannon Taylor and Ciaran Long who were on national duty, while John Wheaton missed out through injury.

Matty Davies joined him on the treatment table early in the second period and Michael Farn was also forced out of the game late on to add to Pete Russell's roster woes.

Adam Brittle opened the scoring at 3.47 - albeit at the third time of asking , with a rebound after both Tomas Janak and Robin Davison had efforts blocked.

Joel Petkoff was frustrated by home netminder Toby Cooley on numerous occasions.

Cooley continued to lead a charmed life in the second session, deflecting a Petkoff rocket on to the roof of the net among other saves in a goalless period.

Nathan Craze was also impressing at the other end and it took a controversial goal from former teammate Jaraj Rusic to beat him at 45.57, with Farn injured by an uncalled slashing offence in the build up.

Cats then killed a late Wightlink powerplay with Vrtik returning to the ice to make himself the last-gasp hero as overtime loomed.