THE Basingstoke Bison slipped back down to fifth in the English Premier League, after they lost narrowly 4-3 at second placed Milton Keynes Lightning.

The first session saw the visitors have much the better chances, as they out shot their hosts 15-3.

However, it was the Lightning who led the game at the first buzzer, thanks to Blaz Emersic strike at 12:21.

Bison man of the match Derek Roehl levelled things in the second session, before Mk's own man of the match Michael Farn gave them the lead again with a blue line shot and it remained like this to the second hooter.

The Herd took just 24 seconds of the final period to equalise again as leading scorer Ciaran Long netted.

The visitors then took the lead after 46 minutes, as Roehl struck again.

However, the advantage only lasted 92 seconds, as the home side squared the game again after Craig Scott scored.

The Bison were then called for too many men on the ice penalty which proved very costly as MK made the most of the man advantage.

Lewis Hook struck with what proved to be the game winner at 51:50.

As the match came to a close, the Bison pulled their goalie, but were unable to force an equaliser.

The Bison are next in action on Saturday (6.30pm) when they face a visit from third placed Peterborough Phantoms.