Neilson 'thrilled' with Panthers

Nottingham Panthers coach Corey Neilson has praised his side after they ended a difficult weekend with a 3-1 victory in Newcastle on Sunday night.

Neilson, Kevin Bergin and Matthew Myers were the Panthers' goalscorers as they bounced back from Saturday's 7-6 loss to Belfast to stay third in the league.

Neilson told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I was thrilled. I thought for the most part we did a really good job.

"The Belfast game was entertaining and back and forth."

He added: "Both team attacked really well but the defences were mediocre.

"We need to improve on that and if we do we should be set."

There was a shock defeat for leaders Coventry Blaze at the weekend as they lost 4-1 at home to Basingstoke Bison.

Panthers are next in action next Saturday when they play their final game in the Challenge Cup in Basingstoke. Victory would guarantee their play in the semi-finals of the competition they won last season.