ALEX Mettam said Bracknell Bees are determined to get some wins under their belts before the end of the season, writes Dave Wright.

Their chances of reaching the EPIHL play-offs are over following Sunday’s 5-3 home defeat by league leaders Basingstoke Bison.

But net-minder Mettam said Bees will not stop trying, adding: “We hope to throw a few spanners in the works of the other teams.”

The Bees have won only two of their last 28 games – both against fellow strugglers Hull – and are tailed off at the foot of the table.

But as Mettam said: “We are not quitters and we won’t throw in the towel.”

Bracknell certainly gave Bison a good run for their money and even led 2-1 at the end of the first period.

The next 20 minutes, however, saw Bees manage only one more goal while conceding three, and they lost the final period 1-0.

“They [Basingstoke] are a good team and played a very solid game. They are top for a reason,” added Mettam.

“For a good part of the game we held our own, as we have done against most other teams this season.

“We have not been blown out by any team this season as everyone is working hard, but we just come up a bit short unfortunately.

“On our day we are capable of beating any team in the league.

“We have put in some good performances, but it is just a matter of putting it all together for 60 minutes.”

Although Bees sit at the foot of the table, they boast one of the best net-minders in the entire league in Mettam, who pulls off a number of outstanding saves in virtually every game.

He modestly admits: “I just try to do my bit to keep the scores as close as I can.

“I make saves when the guys need it.”

Following the loss of several personnel, a smallish squad remains at The Hive, adding to the pressure on the Bees defence and Mettam.

But that doesn’t worry him, for as the 28-year-old said: “I’m too old to worry about the pressure.

“It is about having some fun, helping the team and doing my job.

“I enjoy every minute as you don’t know when your last game is going to be.

“You feel the pressure more when you are a bit younger and I feel a bit old now.”

Mettam is in his third season at Bracknell, and admits: “It has been three tough years, as everyone will agree.

“But we have a great group of guys here and that is the biggest thing. Everyone in that [dressing] room has stuck together and they are a great bunch of guys. We enjoy each other’s company and hanging out as a team and that shows on the ice as everyone plays for each other.

“We play for the coach [Lukas Smital], we play for the guy who sits next to you in the room. You just try to work hard and do each other proud.”

Mettam refused to be be drawn on his future and plans for next season when the News spoke to him after Sunday’s game.

He said: “At this time our focus is just on our next game. I think tonight’s [defeat] puts us out of the play-offs. But the season is far from over. We will still be trying; we want to do each other proud.

“The aim is to get as many wins as we can between now and the end of the season.”

Bees still have to play third-from-bottom Manchester Phoenix three times, including a double header this weekend at The Hive on Saturday (6pm) and away on Sunday (6.30pm).

Mettam commented: “Manchester have also fallen a little short as well this season, but they have four quality imports and they proved the difference between us last time, so we must try to shut them down. I will try to have a good game.”

The net-minder also spoke of the young talent playing in front of him.

He said: “The young guys are being given a great opportunity. They are all working hard and doing the things asked of them.

“They are going to make mistakes as that happens when you are young and been thrown right into the deep end.

“I don’t think any of them have disgraced themselves and they proved they can do a job in this league.

“Then you have the big bright spark in Vanya Antonov who is just unbelievable. That kid is fantastic and should definitely go on to bigger and better things.”

l MATCH REPORT – p54

l THE Bees management are holding a fans forum in the Honies Restaurant next Monday at 7.30pm.

“Everyone is welcome to come and see our ‘Made in Bracknell’ plans for next season,” said directors Andrew Cross and Ben Beeching in a joint statement.

“What we are proposing is not to an amalgamation with BIHC (Bracknell Hornets) but a better defined development path for those players who work hard and to rise through the junior club and aspire to play EPL level hockey.

“It provides the team with an identity of home grown talent that is intrinsically associated with the club, a clear progression path for players, and a cost model that works.”