Chelmsford Chieftains made it three play-off wins out of three with back to back wins over Swindon Chill at the weekend.

The results mean that if Solihull drop just one point next weekend in their games against Swindon and Chieftains, then the Essex based side will qualify for the English Premier League play-off finals.

Saturday's match at Swindon was a nervy encounter and started off in lively fashion.

The match was only 2.57 old when Chill took the lead through the unmarked Aaron Lewis.

Chieftains fought back, Thompson in the Chill net was far the busier goalie and it Chieftains equalised on 5.12 when a Craig Metcalf shot was half stopped and Dave Heavey pounced to net the loose puck.

Chieftains took the lead for the first time on 12.16 when good work by Metcalf and Richard Whiting was rewarded when Karl Rogers scored.

Swindon responded immediately when Lewis skated unopposed through the Chieftains' defensive zone before deceiving Chad Macleod in the Chieftains' net at 12.56.

The second period started brightly and both Rogers and Tero Sarkiniemi were foiled by Thompson early on.

The period was scoreless with both goalkeeper's making game saving saves until Chieftains broke the deadlock on 38.47.

Chieftains took command of their zone and Metcalf and Andy Hannah set up Karl Rogers for a neat backhand goal.

The only other notable action came on 34.18 when Chieftains' Tari Suwari and Chill's Jason Rapcewiicz were given double minor penalties for fighting.

Chieftains were the stronger side in the final period and dominated throughout.

Chill relied on sporadic fast breakouts to threaten and Chieftains had to be quick witted to keep them out.

The scores were levelled against the run of play at 49.41 when a complacent Chieftains were caught out by the lively Endicott.

With time running out and Chieftains pressing forward, it looked as if all their efforts would only bring a draw.

But with just 20 seconds left, Chieftains swamped forward and with a melee in front of the Chill goal, Sarkiniemi laid the puck to Jon Cotton unmarked on the post and the ace goal-poacher snapped the puck into the net.

Heavey was given the additional assist as Chieftains ran out 4-3 winners.

Andy Hannah won the man of the match award.

Keeping control . . action from Sunday's English Premier League play-off match between Chelmsford Chieftains and Swindon Chill at the Rivedrside Ice & Leisure Centre in Chelmsford.

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