The Swindon Wildcats battled back from 4-2 down to take Saturday night’s clash against the Romford Raiders to a shootout, eventually falling to a 5-4 defeat at the Better Link Centre.


A season-high crowd of 1,438 packed into the Link Centre for Country Night, creating a fantastic atmosphere as the Wildcats fought back to claim a valuable point.


Liam Fraser got the perfect start for the Cats, opening the scoring just 31 seconds into the game.


However, the Raiders responded quickly, with Jake Sylvester levelling at 4:12 before Jack Cooper put the visitors ahead at 6:42. Barret Kirwin then extended Romford’s lead at 9:10, leaving the Wildcats with work to do.


Swindon responded through Caden Villegas, who found the net at 10:28, assisted by Ben O’Connor on his return


The Raiders restored their advantage through Joe Tomalin at 30:32, taking a 4-2 lead into the latter stages of the contest.


The Wildcats refused to give in, and Villegas struck again at 47:03 with a lovely slapshot into the top corner!


Just under two minutes later, Vermaeten completed the comeback, scoring at 48:51 with O’Connor grabbing another assist


Neither side could find a winner in overtime with both goalies Marr and Ceci making some crucial saves, sending the game to a shootout. Kirwin ultimately scored the decisive goal for the Raiders to secure the extra point.


Saturday also marked a welcome return for Ben O’Connor, who made his first appearance for the Wildcats following his recovery from a knee injury last season.


The defenceman made an immediate impact, registering two assists on his return as the Cats fought back from behind to take the game beyond regulation.


While the Wildcats will be disappointed not to have claimed both points, the comeback and the fantastic support from a season-high Country Night crowd provided plenty of positives to take forward.