CARL Ambler believes Bracknell Bees are in the best shape possible to end their barren run against Manchester Phoenix.

The Altrincham outfit have had the upper hand over Bees ever since they joined the English Premier Ice Hockey League in 2009.

This season has so far proved to be no different, with Phoenix winning all three of the meetings between the teams, including a 7-1 thrashing in late October.

But Bees' fortunes have picked up of late.

Back-to-back wins against Swindon Wildcats were followed up by perhaps their most impressive victory of the season on Sunday, a 5-1 success against title-chasing Basingstoke Bison.

It was a result that proved Bees are more than a match for anyone in the division, including third-placed Phoenix.

"To beat Basingstoke, one of the top teams in the league, the way we did, was pretty unbelievable," Ambler told the News.

"It was a great team performance. We have been a bit shortbenched with players out but now we're at full strength, we've changed the lines around a bit and it has made a difference.

"We are high on confidence and the morale of the boys is unbelievable, but this weekend will be the real test. If we played as we did against Basingstoke then I am sure we will take points off Manchester." * FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW AND MORE BEES NEWS PICK UP THIS WEEK'S NEWS.