London Raiders goalie Michael Gray praised their opponents Basingstoke Bison but believes they should have got something from the match.

The Romford-based club were edged out with a 2-1 defeat after two late Bison goals inside the last five minutes denied Raiders some deserved reward against the National League leaders at Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre on Sunday.

“To be honest I think the Bison’s are the best team in the league and they have made us look silly in games this season but last night was a different matter and shows how far we have come this year as a team,” the 28-year-old said.

“We deserved something from this game but two mistakes cost us the game.

“We have to take the positives from that game which is tough.”

The long-serving goalie faced 46 shots on the night and received a lot of praise from both set of fans on his performance on the night.

“It was a busy night for myself but I was expecting that from the start,” Gray said.

“We played well as a unit and limited good chances.

“I know I had a good game but to be honest, I just want the team to win so however good I play if we still lose it hurts.”

It was the Raiders third match in their new Romford town centre home, having beaten Cardiff and Swindon in their first two fixtures at the venue earlier in the month, and the goalie admits the new rink is helping them as a team.

“The new rink is amazing,” he said.

“Having our own changing and really feeling at home again is a great feeling.

“It’s really helping the team come together and shows from our performances in it.”