Leeds Knights in seventh heaven after Matt Bissonnette's late show at Bristol Pitbulls
MATT BISSONNETTE produced a spot of perfect timing to score a late, late overtime winner and ensure Leeds Knights stretched their winning streak in NIHL National to seven games.
But the Knights were pushed all the way by rock-bottom hosts Bristol Pitbulls, who had won just two games all season heading into the game on Saturday night - and only one inside 60 minutes. The two reconvened last night at The Castle with crucial National Cup points also on the line as well as league.
The Knights got off to the ideal start when Cullen McLean pounced on a giveaway by Bristol before driving down centre ice and beating Will Kerlin with a back-hand finish.
John Dunbar levelled less than two minutes into the second period but it took even less time - 61 seconds to be precise - before the Knights restored their lead, Bisonnette firing home his first of the night following a smart pass from Daragh Spawforth.
Captain Kieran Brown made it 3-1 in the 37th minute but Jasper Foster made it a one-goal game going into the third.
The hosts drew level for a second time through Jake Bricknell at 40.53 but the Knights again pulled ahead when Innes Gallacher had time to pick his spot at 43.50.
A second of the night for Dunbar at 58.31 set up the overtime in which Bissonnette dealt the killer blow with just 15 seconds left.