THE Basingstoke Bison’s lead at the top of the English Premier League was reduced to one point, as they lost 4-0 to the new look Telford Tigers on Sunday night.

This was always going to be a tough game against a home side who gave a home debut to former Bison forward Joe Miller and had recently added top British forwards Rick Plant and Dan Davies along with defenceman Dan Scott

Miller had a hand in the opening goal of the contest, which was scored by Daniel Rose at 2:16.

The Bison then conceded their first powerplay goal in five games with Miroslav Vantroba in the penalty bin.

Czech defenceman Jaroslav Kruzik fired in from the blue line at 8:03 to make it 2-0.

The Tigers opened the second session with a man advantage as Joe Greener was sent to the sin bin for cross checking right on the first period buzzer.

Bison goalie Dean Skinns was winded early in the powerplay, but was able to carry on, but was unable to spot the Tigers going 3-0 up as Kruzik struck again.

As on their first powerplay the assists went to Plant and Finnish import Miika Kiviranta.

As the game came to a close the Bison looked to break their duck and pulled their netminder Skinns, but the move back fired as Plant fired into the empty net at 58:50.

This left the Herd to suffer their first shut-out of the season, as Declan Ryan turned away all 35 shots he faced.

It was the Telford netminder’s second shut-out against the Bison his last being in Shropshire in April 2012.

The Bison have a chance for quick revenge against the Telford as they visit Basingstoke on Saturday night (face-off 6.30pm).