The visitors are a league below Bracknell but gave the hosts a stern test with a superb display that showed why they had lost just two games in 32 in the National Ice Hockey League.

The Bees led three times but were pegged back on each occasion, before Lewis Turner’s late powerplay strike settled the outcome 97 seconds from time.

The rules of the cup meant that the hosts could only name two imports for the game, which meant Lucas Smital took the chance to coach from the bench, whilst Jan Bendik was rested in defence.

Bracknell started the first period at a fast pace but had to be wary of the threat from the visitors as they tested Alex Mettam in the Bees’ goal on several occasions.

But Smital’s men were starting to assert their superiority and Ben Clements had to react quickly to make a good double save from Vanya Antonov and Sam Waller.

Scott Spearing was then sent through by Matt Towalski but his effort was smothered by Clements as the score remained level.

But moments later the Bees made the breakthrough as Pavel Strycek fired home from the middle of the blue line with just nine seconds left of a powerplay.

It was 2-0 soon after as Spearing stroked home a rebound after Radek Hubacek’s effort had been palmed away.

The Bees were good value for their two goal lead at the end of the first period but all their hard work was undone in a crazy start to the second period.

Chelmsford struck back with two goals in two minutes as Darren Brown fired home, before Martin Piecha was sent through one-on-one with Mettam to finish calmly and level the scores.

The frantic start to the second period continued as Bees regained their composure to retake the lead 88 seconds later.

Ryan Watt took the ball behind the net and as he tried to play it back inside, it hit Clements and went in to give the Bees a fortunate lead.

The goal saw Bees settle down and play some of their best hockey of the match, but they couldn’t find the net again due to the reactions of the excellent Clements.

A Strycek snapshot was palmed away before Chris Wiggins and Antonov tested the in-form keeper.

The latter was fast becoming the star of the game and after showing good hands, being poke-checked and winning the puck back, he forced another good save from Clements.

Mettam was also called into action at the other end as he made a one-on-one save to deny Brown his second goal of the game.

The second period ended with the game in the balance with Bees 3-2 up, but it didn’t take long for Chelmsford to draw level at the start of the final period.

Matt Turner picked up his own rebound on the edge of the crease and stuffed the puck home at the near post to level the scores.

But as in the second period, the Bees replied instantly as they regained the lead just 13 seconds later.

Hubacek made a break down the right and found Matt Foord, who whipped a wrist shot into the top right corner to put Bracknell ahead.

There were chances at either end as the game became stretched but the visitors fought back to level with a 4-on-3 powerplay.

Piecha walked in from the top of the left circle, before hitting a bullet wrist shot into the roof of the net from ten feet, It seemed the game was heading to overtime but the Bees sealed victory when Lewis Turner fired through a crowd on a powerplay to beat Clements with just 97 seconds remaining to send the Hive wild.

Chelmsford pushed on for an equaliser late on but couldn’t beat Mettam as Smital’s men held on for victory, with the superb Antonov being awarded man of the match for the Bees.

Bracknell will look to build on their win when they return to league action at home to Telford Tigers on Saturday (6pm) and at Sheffield Steeldogs on Sunday (5.30pm).