Leeds Knights ensure Cup defence remains intact as Sam Gospel posts unbeatable weekend
LEEDS KNIGHTS ensured they are still in a position to defend their NIHL National Cup title by securing a place in the semi-finals with victory at Basingstoke Bison.
A little over 10 days ago, the Knights were far from sure of being in the last four, needing to win their final two scheduled Cup games to stand any chance.
A 4-1 win at Swindon Wildcats - a victory which also cut the gap in the league standings on the Wiltshire-based leaders - put the Knights into a promising position but still needing two points in Hampshire on Sunday.
Thanks to goals from Balint Pakozdi and Fin Bradon - plus a second shutout of the weekend by netminder Sam Gospel (also securing a fourth straight MVP gong) - the Knights achieved their objective.
They now sit top of the Cup standings, one point ahead of Milton Keynes Lightning.
But they are assured of finishing at least third, with Sheffield Steeldogs and Peterborough Phantoms still mathematically able to leapfrog them if they win their remaining games.
Either way, it ensures the Knights have achieved their first objective for the 2025-26 campaign, meaning they remain in the hunt for all three titles.
Another positive for the Knights is the reduction in the number of bodies missing, injured or otherwise.
Danny Harrison (lower-body) was ruled out for the weekend but is expected to be back in contention for this Sunday’s visit from Solway Sharks (face-off 4.15pm).
That leaves experienced defensive duo Jordan Griffin (upper-body) and Lewis Baldwin (lower-body) out indefinitely, as is forward Mac Howlett (illness).
Griffin, 23, has played just three games all season, last seen in the 8-2 win at Bristol Pitbulls on September 27, while 26-year-old Baldwin last featured on October 5, when Leeds beat Romford 5-2 at home.
Howlett, 25, has two goals and five assists in nine games, the last of which was on November 2 when Leeds lost 6-1 at Telford Tigers.
WEEKEND RESULTS
Sunday: Basingstoke Bison 0 Leeds Knights 2, Solway Sharks 4 Peterborough Phantoms 5, Romford Raiders 9 Milton Keynes Lightning 5, Hull Seahawks 6 Bristol Pitbulls 8, Telford Tigers 2 Sheffield Steeldogs 3.
Saturday: Leeds Knights 3 Romford Raiders 0, Swindon Wildcats 6 Telford Tigers 3, Bristol Pitbulls 5 Basingstoke Bison 6 (SO), Milton Keynes Lightning 3 Sheffield Steeldogs 4 (SO); Solway Sharks 3 Peterborough Phantoms 4 (OT).