THE Basingstoke Bison got their Autumn Trophy campaign off in fine fashion, as they beat the visiting Sheffield Steeldogs 3-1.

The home side got off to dream start, as Tomas Karpov scored after seven seconds and they remained on top for the rest of the period, but were unable to add to their tally.

The Herd doubled their advantage on the powerplay, as Aaron Connolly netted from Ivan Antonov.

Then at 28:12 they made it 3-0 as Jaroslav Cesky scored assisted by Stuart Mogg and Ryan Sutton.

Sheffield scored the only goal of the final session from Ashley Calvert, but this was as close as they got.

The return game is this Sunday at Ice Sheffield.

The previous night, the Bison went down 5-2 at Swindon in their latest National Cup outing.

The Wildcats took the lead in this contest at 25:25 from Neil Liddiard, before Antonov levelled on the powerplay from Connolly four minutes later.

Dan Scott then put the Herd in front from a Sutton pass, but Aaron Nell levelled things by the second buzzer.

Just 48 seconds into the final period, Nell netted his second and further strikes from Luc Johnson and Max Birbraer completed the win.

This Saturday, the Bison are at home to Bracknell in their next National Cup encounter.