WIDNES Wild defeated a confident Nottingham Lions side 4-1 in a closely fought battle.

Wild arrived in Nottinghamshire minus Ben Brown, Chris Gee, Calum Ruddick, Pavel Vales, Tom McDonald and went on to lose Michal Fico through injury during the third period, but with just 12 players showed great determination and heart to beat the league leaders.

Wild head coach Scott Mckenzie said: “What a huge lift this will give my guys. To turn up in a tough building like that against a good side that took two points off us last week and play such a disciplined game is very pleasing.

‘I really cannot fault the guys. They gave everything and showed so much character with such a short bench.

“A mention must go to our goalie Greg Ruxton who faced a lot of shots and was solid all night.

“I think this could be a game that we look back on at the end of the season as a turning point for us.”

Wild ended the first period ahead from a Geoff Wigglesworth strike, McKenzie putting them 2-0 up and Wigglesworth adding his second before the break.

Captain Shaun Dippnall wrapped up the Wild account before a home consolation goal in the final minute.