EXPERIENCED defenceman Neil Liddiard anticipates two tough fixtures against Sheffield Steeldogs this weekend both at home and on the road as Swindon Wildcats continue their defence of the Autumn Trophy.

The Wildcats experienced mixed fortunes last weekend as Aaron Nell’s men trumped Hull Pirates 8-2 at the Link Centre on Saturday night, only to lose 3-2 in the return fixture just 24 hours later in Yorkshire.

This weekend marks a repeat of last season’s National Cup Final – which Swindon won 6-4 on aggregate – but Liddiard, 40, vows that his team-mates will have to deal with Steeldogs’ fast skating nature if they are to repeat their previous heroics, albeit this time in the Autumn Trophy group stages.

He said: “It’s definitely going to be a tough weekend. Sheffield were good last year – they’re a good skating side.

“They have good skill going forwards and going up there we might be forced to change our game plan slightly on the bigger ice surface.

“When you think of British hockey, teams like Sheffield and Cardiff are ones that are always at the front of your mind.

“They’ve been around for years and have experienced a lot of success. They have a good fan base too."

Liddiard, who first skated for Swindon in 1993 as a teenager, admits a series of mental mistakes crept into the Wildcats’ game towards the conclusion of last weekend’s second fixture against Hull – a trait which ultimately cost them what would’ve been two valuable points.

Despite fatigue impacting the Cats’ performance towards the end of last weekend, Liddiard insists a strength in depth defence will benefit the Link Centre outfit in the long run this season.

“I think we were by far the better team last weekend over both games, but a few mental mistakes crept in during the last 10 minutes against Hull,” said Liddiard.

“We’re not making excuses, but that was perhaps down to tiredness.

“But all in all, it was a good weekend and there were a lot of positives to take out of it.

“We have some young, talented, players that have slotted in well.

“There’s a lot of depth in the squad this season, especially defensively.”