The Czech was appointed head coach last week following the sacking of Gareth Cox.

And he could have barely have asked for a more action-packed opening match as Bees overcame Sheffield 8-7 at The Hive.

The visitors raced into a two-goal lead inside three minutes and looked to be in charge at 5-3 in the middle period.

But an Ollie Bronnimann hat-trick and goals from Kamil Tvrdek and Jan Bendik made it 5-5 at the second buzzer.

Bees took the lead for the first time in the final period as Shaun Thompson and Matt Foord scored to put them 7-5 ahead.

However, Steeldogs hit back to force overtime and the game was only decided when Thompson netted with 18 seconds remaining before penalties.

It was another dramatic contest on Sunday as Bees won 6-5 in Telford.

Scott Spearing, Bronniman and Smital found the net in the opening stanza to give Bees a 3-2 advantage.

And they held off Telford's fightback thanks to further goals from Spearing, Pavel Strycek and Rob Lamey.

Bees have just one game next weekend at Sheffield on Saturday evening (7.30pm f/o).