THE Basingstoke Bison will be out to avenge their heartbreaking South Cup final loss with the Peterborough Phantoms, when the pair clash in the play-off semi-finals this weekend.

A bumper crowd is expected on Saturday night (6.30pm) for the first game which is at the Basingstoke Arena.

The second leg is on Sunday night (5.30pm) in Peterborough.

The prize is a place in the South One play-off final next weekend and also a place in national play-off semi-finals at Coventry on Saturday April 13, with the final the following day.

When the Herd went head-to head with the Phantoms in the South Cup final, they lost by just one goal over two legs.

However, in 2-1 first leg loss in Basingstoke, the Bison were without import Richard Bordowski, but he is now back line-up and like all his team mates is eager to erase the cup final loss.

The Herd are hopeful that defensive pair Adam Jones and Elliott Dewy will also be back after missing last weekend.

Bison player/coach Ashley Tait said: “We have had some very close games with Peterborough all season and I expect this weekend to be no different.

“I think the disappointment of the cup loss is still in our minds and will help to motivate us even more.”

In the other South One play-off semi-final this weekend Bracknell take on Swindon.