Leopards coach Jon Burnell has described Saturday’s EBL Division One clash against Bristol Academy Flyers at Wodson Park as a “massive” game as the Big Cats look to start the second half of the league season with a win.

While Leopards are fourth in the table with six wins from nine games, Bristol are one of the two sides immediately below them in joint fifth with five wins and as many losses.

“It’s a massive game for us because, along with Derby, we are the teams vying for fourth spot and home advantage in the play-offs. I’m not saying we aren’t looking for a higher position than that, but that’s our main aim at the moment.”

The Big Cats travelled to Filton College in November and a strong finish to the game saw them win 81-74, with Carl Latham-Henry leading the scoring on 24 points.

“We went down there and played well” said Burnell. “We got ourselves in a position to win the game, and then closed it out. They were heavily beaten by Reading on Saturday, so they’ll want to get back going. But it’s the kind of game you look forward to and we’ll also be looking for a much better performance than Saturday.”

Leopards have again reduced admission prices to 5.00 for adults and 3.00 for children, and the Big Cats are promising a surprise for the fans at Wodson.

“We’re not going to give the game away, but anyone who supported us when we won the National Cup will be pretty pleased with what we’ve done” said general manager Dave Ryan.

Saturday’s game tips off at 7.30pm, with tickets available on the door.