SWINDON Wildcats head coach Stevie Lyle was pleased to see his side claim a 6-3 victory as they defeated English Premier League newcomers Hull Pirates in a challenge match.

Goals from Matt Selby, Aaron Nell (twice), Jan Kostal, Sam Bullas and Miroslav Zalesak gave the Link Centre men the victory on Humberside.

In close opening two periods, Lyle’s new look team took the game away from their hosts in the final session.

And while the Cats chief is yet to get on the ice yet, he is pleased with how the side are working.

“We haven’t had a full practice yet,” Lyle told the Advertiser after the game. “There are still things for us to improve on.

“But given the fact we haven’t had a full training session yet I’m delighted with how we have started.

“I’m still yet to play, I think I might get myself out on the ice at the weekend, and we are still missing Adam Harding.”

Cats trailed 2-1 at the end of the first period in the Hull Arena and then went in at the next break level 2-2 before claiming the final session 4-1.

“They gave us a really good work out in the first two periods,” Lyle said.

“But in the third I went to just three lines because I wanted to get the win.

“The guys are still getting used to system that I want us to play this year but a few of the guys really connected in this match.”

Lyle admits that he is finding it strange standing on the sidelines in a shirt and trousers rather than being on the ice all padded up.

But he says he will feel more comfortable when he features in the double-header with Bracknell Bees this weekend.

“It is totally different to what I’m used to, but I expected that,” he said.

“I think I will come more into my own at the weekend when I’m back on the ice – I’ll come out of myself a bit more.”