THE Basingstoke Bison will be hoping to book their place in the English League Cup semi-finals this weekend.

The Herd need at least a point from their final group game at the Milton Keynes Lightning tomorrow night (7.30pm).

This is a first of a triple header of action which will see them face a visit from leaders Telford Tigers on Saturday (6.30pm), before they head to Blackpool to take on the Manchester Phoenix on Sunday (5pm).

Bison head coach is taking the games one at time and having seen his side already beat MK twice on home ice, he feels they can collect the point they need to make the final four of the cup.

Sheppard said: “The Lightning are a good team and being in their building makes it tougher, but we want to make the last four of cup and it is in our own hands.”

Defenceman Joe Baird is doubtful for the weekend, while British forward Shaun Thompson ask for release this week from the club to play elsewhere in the EPL.

After MK, the Herd will be hoping their duck against Telford and Sheppard said: "They have had our number so far, but I see no reason, why we cannot beat them this time."

The Bison will then be looking for another win against the Phoenix and Sheppard said: "We will see what we have left for Manchester and we will leave it in Blackpool."