THE big games keep coming thick and fast for the South One leaders Basingstoke Bison as next up is a trip to title rivals the Swindon Wildcats on Saturday (6.15pm).

Their Wiltshire rivals are third in the standings, but still very much in the hunt for top spot The Herd have only beaten Swindon once in six outings this season, but this is the biggest game between these sides to date.

Bison import Roman Malinik injured in the Bison's great come from behind victory over former leaders Peterborough last Saturday, is hoping to be back in the line-up.

Head coach Doug Sheppard said: “Swindon are a big physical team with a lot of depth and their goal tending has been excellent against us this season. We know we are for a tough evening, but we are getting better with every game.”

On Sunday (5.30pm) the Bison return to home ice with a visit from the Cardiff Fire.

The Welsh side are still searching for their first win of the season and would love to take the scalp of the leaders once again standing between the Bison and a win will be former Buffalo goalie Jordan Lawday.

Sheppard said: “Jordan (Lawday) has been keeping his side in games, we may have to be patience, but we need to be smart and get the win."

On Wednesday night, the Bison beat Hull 4-1 in the second leg  of their Autumn Cup semi-final, thanks to a Tomas Karpov hat-trick and a single from Roman Malinik.

They now meet Swindon in the final.

The Buffalo are at home on Saturday (6.30pm) against Peterborough, they lost 12-2 to Chelmsford last weekend with Neil Leary and Dan Lackey scoring their goals.