THE Basingstoke Buffalo were unable to dent the Guildford Phoenix’s 100 per cent start, as they lost 7-3, writes Graham Merry.

The home side raced away to 3-0 lead in the first 10 minutes thanks to goals from man of the match Sol Stoodley, Jared Vigar and Fraser Stoodley.

The Buffalo opened their account soon after as a lovely pass from Paul Petts was converted by Hallam Wilson.

Then with 49 seconds left in the first period the lead was reduced to one as Petts scored assisted by Wilson and Scott Anda.

However, Guildford netted another before the interval from Monty Gailer.

The second session saw Dan Weller-Evans who went on to face 71 shots in the game, blanked the home side and it remained 4-2 going into the final period.

The Buffalo narrowed the lead as Wilson netted from close range.

Guildford scored soon after from Sol Stoodley and they then added a couple more goals in the final two minutes of the game from Vigar and Jed Sherrington.

The Buffalo man of the match went to defenceman Freddie Stephens.

Paul Petts, one of the Buffalo player coaches said: “We did not start well and made it too easy for them. Guildford are a good side, but we showed them too much respect. We will learn from this and train hard this week ahead of our next game.”

This Saturday, the Buffalo are on their travels to face the Solent Junior Devils and then their next home game will be a chance for revenge as they face Guildford on Sunday October 22 (6.30pm).