FANS of the Gillingham-based Invicta Dynamos ice hockey team were treated to something special last night as the Mos put a huge dent in Milton Keynes Lightning's treble dream.

The league leaders, who the night before sounded an ominous warning by thrashing closest rivals Peterborough Phantoms 8-2, lost their lead at the top of the English Premier League Cup, southern group after being held 3-3 by the gutsy Mos.

Isle of Wight took advantage of the slip, which means the game at Milton Keynes between these two on March 8 will probably decide who reaches the final where the Phantoms lie in wait.

On Saturday the Dynamos travelled to Swindon in the English Premier League where they lost 6-4, Matt Beveridge (2+2) and Merv Priest (3+2) putting in players of the match performances.

Player coach Carl Greenhous said: “We were disappointed on Saturday because it was the same old story, fundamental errors cost us the game.

“It was important for us to come out tonight and treat our fans to something a little special and at the same time boost the team's confidence.

“We certainly did that, I cannot fault the players work ethic although there were still periods when we lost focus, but we came back strong at the end and finally enjoyed some luck.”

Greenhous, who had a great game scoring twice and at the heart of everything, had particular praise for young man of the match Adam (AJ) Smith.

He said: “I was really pleased with his performance. He shows that there is great young potential at the club and that if the youngsters are prepared to work hard they will be given their chance.”

Smith started the game at full throttle, but was given an early warning when Lightning captain Dwayne Newman clattered him.

The 16-year-old was unfazed by the rough stuff and concentrated on his game, linking beautifully with Duane Ward in one promising attack. He did well to beat the last defender, but shot just wide.

The first period exploded into action late on when MK were surprisingly caught twice in 14 seconds having too many imports on the ice.

Invicta brought on the big guns for the five on three powerplay and Greenhous, Jake French, Elliott Andrews, Ward and Beveridge neatly played the puck until Greenhous spied an opening and powerfully placed the puck in the inside of the post at 19.46.

Another young addition to the squad lit up the second period. Just seconds after coming on, Dan Fudger combined with Greg Hales to beat Barry Hollyhead for a second time at 22.23.

Former Ice Bowl favourite Mikko Skinnari triggered the fightback, when he was allowed to skate in unchallenged. His distinct upright skating style, close control and unselfish play set up Dean Campbell for a tap in at 27.58.

Lightning equalised at 33.25 with a good team move, Chris McEwen and Campbell breaking swiftly and Phil Wooderson finishing with a sweet flick.

Matt Van Der Velden was once again a star player for the Dynamos.

His double save from Skinnari one-on-one was bettered with an amazing one in the third period. The initial save from a thunderous slapshot was impressive enough, but the awareness and reflexes to get down and smother the instant rebound was pure class.

He also saved the Mos from a last gasp defeat when he got a toe to a Newman shot in the dying seconds when the MK man was in a great position to score.

There was a tentative start to the third period by both teams, until MK began to wrestle control. Mos were still threatening, but it took a calamitous error by Hollyhead to break the deadlock.

Greenhous admits his second goal was more than lucky. He went to dump the puck, but his flick somehow ended up in the back of the net as Hollyhead dropped a clanger on par with the best goalkeeper howlers of all time.

Hollyhead is rated highly among his peers as is Milton Keynes' expensive new import Claude Dumas, but he was a huge disappointment on the night, missing two great openings.

Despite having some of their best players off colour and highest scorer Gary Clarke not icing MK still had enough to earn a draw when Greg Randall was on hand to convert after Nick Poole's shot had been well-saved by Van Der Velden