CALLUM Best tried his best to inspire Bracknell Bees last weekend, but sadly it was all in vain, writes Dave Wright.

The depleted side lost 5-1 at Invicta Dynamos on Saturday before crashing 7-2 at home to Peterborough Phantoms a day later.

Best netted all three goals and was voted man of the match on Sunday.

“It was nice to score, but winning games is the most important thing, and we didn’t do that,” said Best.

The 25-year-old forward twice put Bees ahead against Peterborough in the opening period, only for the NIHL Division 1 South leaders to hit straight back with an equaliser.

Best admitted: “I think it was down to us switching off when we scored. That was hard to take.”

Once again, Bees were missing their two leading goal scorers, with Frankie Bakrlik serving a six-match suspension and Shaun Thompson nursing a leg injury, while Scott Spearing is only able to coach following his recent head injury.

“It is hard when you are missing key guys, but that is where other boys need to step up and show character,” stated Best.

In his first season with the club, the former Streatham player is now Bees’ third highest scorer behind Bakrlik and Thompson with nine goals.

“When you come into a new team, it takes time to find your feet, but I feel the confidence is there and it’s getting up to where I want to be.”

The Bees ace has no connection with his more famous namesake, the TV personality who is the son of the late Manchester United and Northern Ireland soccer legend George.

“A lot of people do ask if I am the real Callum Best like when you reserve a table or go on holiday,” he smiled.

“I once went skiing in Austria and people were getting excited and saying ‘Callum Best is coming’ but I turned up and disappointed them.

“I did actually meet him in Spain three or four years ago and we had our picture taken together. He didn’t believe I had the same name.”

Bees visit Basingstoke Bison this Saturday (6.30pm f/o) then host Swindon Wildcats at The Hive on Sunday (6pm).