The losing streak goes on but, with the exception of last Sunday's game, I think the more positive mood in the locker room has been reflected in our recent performances against Belfast, Coventry, and Nottingham.

For many fans, our high-scoring home game against Belfast was one of the most entertaining of the season - not least because we scored five times. Goals have been hard to come by and that gave the team a big lift. During the game we were energized by the enthusiasm of the crowd who were caught up in the ebb and flow of the game.

I thought we played with more control and purpose in our next few matches on the road. We are very conscious, however, of how important it is for us to perform well in front of our home fans home so we were looking forward to our game against Coventry.

One worry going into the game was that Warren Tait had picked up an injury in Belfast and almost certainly would have difficulty completing the game. But, as I said, our attitude is more positive and we felt we could adjust lines if necessary.

It's not the first time this season that we have conceded early and late in the first period, and it's not the first time we fought back to go into the second break having pulled a goal back.

In the third period we'd reduced to two lines. That is energy sapping but during this period there was a passage of play which brought the crowd to their feet cheering and rubbing their eyes in equal measure.

Two of the best strikers in the League broke away for Coventry and bore down on Kevin Reiter. Kevin stayed deep in the net to reduce the distance he might have to move laterally and, unbelievably, kept the puck out. More shots rained in on the net. I can remember being hit by the puck at one point, so I'm looking forward to watching this on video to see if I can claim a great block on my part.

A moment like that can transform a team, physically as well as emotionally.

The stats record this as another loss but I think we made another step up in that game.

Congratulations to Sheffield on winning the League. We look forward to welcoming Shanker, Sheppard and Dan Green back to Basingstoke on the last game of the season. That's another team we've enjoyed meeting this season.