THE Telford Ice Rink again proved not to be a happy hunting ground for the Basingstoke Bison as they lost to the new in form team in the English Premier League - the Telford Tigers 3-1.

The opening goal of the contest did not arrive until 20:44 and was Tomas Karpov on the powerplay.

Another powerplay goal this time a minute into the third period from Scott McKenzie doubled the advantage.

The Bison hit back with their third shorthanded marker of the weekend from man-of-the-match Doug Sheppard.

Only for Telford to restore their two goal lead a minute later which they held to the final buzzer. 

The only saving grace for the Herd was that second placed Guildford also lost at home to Milton Keynes so the Bison remain three points clear at the top of the EPL

See Thursday Gazette for a full report and a preview of the weekend's games against Telford and Sheffield.