BASINGSTOKE Bison player/coach Doug Sheppard is keen for his side to bounce straight back to winning ways and avenge last Sunday’s defeat when the Peterborough Phantoms visit on Saturday night (face-off 6.30pm).

The Herd had their lead at the top of the English Premier League cut to five points after last Sunday’s defeat and, with only one game this weekend, it is critical that the Bison pick up maximum points.

The home side will be without Great Britain under-20 stars Zach Sullivan and Andrew Melachrino and likewise the Phantoms will be missing Luke Ferrara, Will Weldon and Jordan Cownie, as all are away on international duty.

The Bison also expect to still have Kurt Reynolds out injured, but will test the fitness of forward Joe Greener and are hopeful he could return this Saturday.

The Herd have won their last eight games at home and Sheppard is keen for that run to continue.

He said: “It is a big game, being our only one of the weekend. Peterborough played a really good hard game against us in their barn and so we have be prepared to match that this time.

“We have go back to doing the simple things well, as that is where we have been successful this season.”