THE Basingstoke Bison suffered two narrow defeats last weekend as they lost 3-2 at home to Swindon and 4-3 in Hull after overtime, writes Graham Merry.
The Herd certainly deserved something out of the game against Swindon, with the winning goal coming in the final three minutes.
In a very entertaining and evenly-matched contest, the sides traded chances in the first period, but none found the back of the net.
It was Swindon who took the lead on their first powerplay of the night as Colby Tower netted from close range.
The Bison looked for an equaliser and Brendan Baird was denied by the post in the 29th minute.
However, they were to level things on the powerplay, as man of the match Edgars Landsbergs fired home after great spade work by Liam Morris.
In a contest that could have gone either way, it was the Bison who scored first at 53:54 as Gail Lubwele linked up with Marcel Balaz and he slotted home.
Swindon replied and tied the game at 2-2 as former Bison man Russ Cowley found Chris Jones and he netted with an excellent backhand finish.
The contest was decided by another Tower goal in the final three minutes on the powerplay.
On Sunday night in Hull, the Bison took just 100 seconds to take the lead from George Norcliffe and then Zack Milton doubled their lead by the first break.
Emil Svec pulled a goal back with the only goal of the middle session.
The Bison’s Hallam Wilson restored the two-goal advantage in the third period, before strikes from Nathan Salem and Svec sent the game into overtime.
There the contest was won by Hull thanks to Finlay Ulrick.
Having taken just one point from the weekend, Bison head coach Ashley Tait said: “The Swindon game was a good one. I was just disappointed in the manner in which we lost. In Hull we could have been four or five up after the first period, but if you don’t take your chances it comes back to bite you.”
This weekend the Bison are hoping to have Alex Sampford back in their line-up, as they travel to play-off rivals Bristol on Saturday (7pm), before entertaining Leeds on Sunday (5.30pm).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here