Peterborough Phantoms’ EPL title hopes were dealt a blow after Jordan Cownie’s overtime strike sealed a 2-1 victory on home ice for MK Lightning.

Basingstoke Bison took full advantage as they registered a 3-1 victory at home to Telford Tigers – Aaron Connolly (2) topped the scoring.

Bison are now nine points clear of the Phantoms and need just three wins from their final five games to clinch the crown.

Ben Campbell’s hat-trick was the highlight of Guildford Flames’ 6-5 home victory against Sheffield Steeldogs, but they failed to follow up at Telford as the Tigers recorded a 7-3 success.

Swindon Wildcats blew a 5-2 lead at Hull Pirates to lose 6-5 after a shoot-out, before they bounced back in style at Sheffield with a 7-4 victory – Carlo Finucci (3) led their scoring.

Manchester Phoenix lost 7-4 at Sheffield, but they enjoyed better fortunes at home to Bracknell Bees with a 5-1 success – Robin Kovar weighed in with a couple of goals.

WEEKEND RESULTS

Friday

Sheffield Steeldogs 7-4 Manchester Phoenix

Saturday

Basingstoke Bison 3-1 Telford Tigers
Guildford Flames 6-5 Sheffield Steeldogs
Hull Pirates 6-5 Swindon Wildcats (SO)
MK Lightning 2-1 Peterborough Phantoms (OT)

Sunday

Manchester Phoenix 5-1 Bracknell Bees
Sheffield Steeldogs 4-7 Swindon Wildcats
Telford Tigers 7-3 Guildford Flames

(Image permission: Tony Sargent)