A BRILLIANT comeback saw the Basingstoke Buffalo book their place in the National Ice Hockey Cup semi-finals after a thrilling 6-6 draw at the Haringey Racers.

The visitors, who could afford only a single goal loss to reach the last four, trailed 5-2 to their London rivals after just 12 minutes.

Matt Lawday narrowed the lead as he scored, assisted by Ryan Sutton and Greg Martyn, at 51:15.

However, 21 seconds later, the Racers made it 6-3 as Ben Osborne fired home.

Buffalo man-of-the-match Roberto Tambellini was the next to score as he finished a move that involved Lawday and Ashley Skinns.

The visitors then pulled their goalie in the final two minutes and Tambellini scored at 58:33 to make it 6-5.

Needing to win the game by two goals, having lost in Basingstoke earlier in the season, Haringey pulled their netminder, but the move backfired as Lawday hit the empty net 10 seconds from time to make sure the Buffalo moved into the semi-finals.

Earlier in the contest, Daniel Lackey opened the scoring at 6:12, but by the first break it was 1-1 after Matt Brown equalised.

Mark Pitts edged the Buffalo in front again at 22:43 but once again the Racers levelled things thanks to Sam Roberts.

The London side took control of the game in the final session as Perry Richardson, Lee Hounslow and Ricky Mills all scored in a five-minute spell to make it 5-2.

The visitors hit back to secure a 6-6 draw and will now face the Peterborough Islanders in a semi-final showdown.

The Buffalo, who lead South Two West, will hope to maintain top spot when they entertain Swindon Wildcats on Sunday (face-off 6.30pm).

The team should be at full strength and, as the Bison are without a game, Stuart Mogg is likely to play.