Missing Matt Foord and Tony Redmond, Bees put in a battling performance but could not prevent a 4-3 defeat.

The Flames took the lead late in the first period when David Savage scored on the powerplay.

Netminders James Hadfield and Tom Annetts continued to prove tough to beat in the second stanza and it wasn’t until 37.07 that the next goal arrived through Scott Spearing.

But Bees’ celebrations were shortlived as Jozef Kohut restored Flames’ advantage less than a minute later.

The visitors came flying out of the blocks in the final period and soon levelled the scores thanks to Lukas Smital.

However, Flames replied with two goals in 20 seconds from Dean Holland and David Longstaff to move 4-2 ahead.

Bees did not give up and they reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute when Smital set up Pavel Strycek to score.

That, though, was the end of the scoring as Bees could not equalise despite pulling Annetts in the final minute.

The two sides meet again at The Hive on Sunday (6pm f/o) for a meeting that will be played in support of The Big Match 2014, a Thames Valley charity raising funds for Action for Children and The Brain Tumour Charity.

The decision to dedicate Bees' final clash of the year came after the team contacted Neil Humphries, founder of The Big Match 2014, to see how they could offer their support.

As part of proceedings spectators will also be invited to throw cuddly toys into the rink during the game, which will be collected and taken to local children’s charities.

Bees chairman Andrew Cross said: “We are proud to be dedicating our final game of the year to such a worthwhile cause.

"Having read a lot about the charity, we were keen to raise awareness of the great work it does. We can promise fans they’ll be treated to a thrilling game alongside a ‘teddy toss’ in support of local charities.

"Anyone wanting to join in is invited to throw a cuddly toy onto the rink after the first Bees’ goal, or at the end of the opening period."