WIDNES Wild travelled to Nottingham Lions on Sunday night for their first game of 2016 – but came away empty handed.

The game started at a frantic pace with Nottingham taking an early minor penalty. With the Wild being on the powerplay and having the man advantage, player coach Scott Mckenzie found Michal Fico wide open in front of the net to blast home and give the visitors a one goal lead early in the game.

That was as good as it would get for the Wild however, as the Lions battled for every puck and scored two goals in quick succession to give the delighted home team a 2-1 lead going into the period break.

The second period ebbed and flowed with both teams having chances but struggling to break through.

A tussle in front of the Nottingham goal ended with a four minute powerplay for the Wild but again, the Widnes men could not find a way past the ever impressive Alan Levers in net for the Lions leaving the game poised at 2-1.

A penalty-strewn third period saw both teams have chances but eventually it would be the home side to score, a scrappy but well deserved goal to give the Lions a 3-1 lead with little time remaining.

As Widnes Wild fans have seen all season, the Wild continued to fight and battle with their never say die attitude, a powerplay goal from Scott Mckenzie giving them hope after a superb pass from Kieron Strangeway opening up room for the player coach who managed to find the top corner.

The Wild would pull their keeper Greg Ruxton to gain a man advantage but it was to no avail as the home team would hold on to win the game deservedly 3-2.

A disappointed coach Mckenzie said: “That is probably the worst first period we have ever played.

“We didn’t do anything that we set out to do, were second to loose pucks and played scared for the most part. I have said it to the guys over and over, no one is going to give us the two points each night, we have to earn them and tonight we just didn’t. It is frustrating because I know how good we can be but we will regroup, get back to work this week ready for another big weekend ahead of us next week.’

The Widnes Wild have two games this weekend. On Saturday they travel up to Billingham Stars to play their first cup game of the season.

Sunday sees the return of local rivals Altrincham Aces at Silver Blades Ice Rink Widnes, face off 5.30pm.

Tickets still available from box office on 0151 420 7930. Prices: Adults £6 and children £3.