THE Basingstoke Buffalo have been given a major boost for this season after signing a major sponsorship deal with 1 Space Services.

The company based at Faraday Court in Rankine Road will back the Buffalo for the rest of this campaign.

The team are hoping for a big crowd for their next outing on Sunday (6.30pm) when they face the Wightlink Buccaneers.

The former National League champions are also hoping to a have a new signing Andy Pickles in their ranks for the game.

The British defenceman is one of the Bison all-time greats having made over 200 appearances for the club.

Talking about the Buffalo’s new sponsorship deal, Steve Hart of 1 Space Services said: “We are delighted to get in involved with the Buffalo, being a Basingstoke team and very much part of the community bringing on the younger players.”

Buffalo manager Andy Worship said: "We must thank Steve and 1 Space Services for their sponsorship and we look forward to an exciting season with them on board."

The Buffalo opened their National League South West Two campaign with a 6-3 loss to the Cardiff Fire.

Slovak Robert Sedlak had the Welsh side 2-1 ahead by the first break after he netted either side of a goal from Paul Petts.

Cardiff extended their lead to 4-1, before Warren Jones pulled a goal back assisted by Michael Gorman.

The Welsh side netted a fifth in the final session, before Josh Richards pulled a goal back assisted by Petts and Greg Martyn, but Cardiff wrapped up the scoring two minutes from time.