BASINGSTOKE netminder Dean Skinns collected a record breaking ninth shut-out for the Bison, as they took a massive step towards a place in the Autumn Trophy semi-final with a 2-0 win at the Sheffield Steeldogs.

The stop stopper turned away all 26 shots he faced, while Ivan Antonov and Dan Scott were on target at the other end.

The Herd had the better of the opening 20 minutes and even had the puck in the net, but it was disallowed for high sticks.

The second session saw the visitors take the lead thanks to a shorthanded strike from man of the match Antonov at 26:44 from Tomas Karpov, with Aaron Connolly sitting in the box.

The Steeldogs tried to tie the game, but Skinns came up with the saves when called upon.

The home side then had three powerplays in quick succession in the third period, but were unable to find a goal.

Then on the final powerplay of the night, the Herd netted as Scott fired in from blue line assisted by Antonov.

With 70 seconds left, Sheffield pulled their netminder, but were unable to find the net.

So this now means if the Steeldogs lose on Sunday at home in Peterborough in their next Autumn Trophy game, the Bison will qualify for the final four.

This Saturday, the Bison return to league action with a visit from the London Raiders.