Ice problems meant a delayed start in Basingstoke but that certainly did not put off the home side who came from behind to dump Phoenix.

Kyle Peto was back in the lineup completing the 'Bison 11' this week but Steve Thornton has still not been able to shake off the nagging wrist injury that has hampered over the last few months. Phoenix welcomed back goaltender Scott Fankhouser and he was kept very busy in the opening period which ended goalless.

Phoenix took the lead at 23.25 however as Joe Tallari (39th) netted from a Tony Hand feed and they looked set to keep that advantage going into the final period before Danny Stewart (23rd) levelled with 22 seconds remaining in the middle session.

There was always little in this game and the next goal was going to be crucial - it came the way of Bison and from the stick of Greg Wood (4th) at 47.51. Even after that there were chances at either end but the insurance finally arrived for the home side as Brad Cruikshank (24th) fired home at 57.38 to ensure Bison claimed maximum points from their nights work.

Period Scores: 0-0, 1-1, 2-0
Penalty Mins: 14-8
Powerplay: Bas 0/0 - Man 0/4
Shots On: Curtis Cruickshank 34 - Scott Fankhouser 37

Other Saturday results:

Coventry Blaze 3 Hull Stingrays 2
Newcastle Vipers 4 Cardiff Devils 3
Nottingham Panthers 1 Edinburgh Capitals 2