The Albert Lea Thunder moved to within three points of fourth-place North Iowa Friday after beating Central Division leader Bismarck 3-2 at City Arena.

Zach May scored the game-winner for Albert Lea (12-30-5) as it rallied from a 2-1 deficit entering the third period.

“Zach May was a spark on that line today,” said Thunder head coach Chuck Linkenheld.

May’s linemate Brian Nehring tied the game at 2 at 4:41 of the third and Anthony Iaquinto scored his 13th goal of the season in the first period.

Niko Kapetanovic assisted on the two goals in the third period and May assisted on Nehring’s goal.

Nikifor Szczerba got his second victory of the season by making 32 stops in goal for Albert Lea.

The Thunder played the Bobcats Saturday at City Arena.

Albert Lea 3, Bismarck 2

Bismarck 0 2 0 — 2

Albert Lea 1 0 2 — 3

First Period—1, Albert Lea, Anthony Iaquinto 13 (Zack Smoot, Brandon Lubin), 17:24. Penalties—Ryan Jacobson, Bis (hooking), 1:09; Joe Kozlak, Alb (hooking), 11:37.

Second Period—2, Bismarck, Jason Fabian 19 (Sam Rendle, Jacobson), 3:18 (pp.). 3, Fabian 20 (Gavin Hartzog, Ben Danford), 6:20. Penalties—Matt Johnson, Alb (elbowing), 2:19; Brad Phenow, Alb (slashing), 7:21.

Third Period—4, Albert Lea, Brian Nehring 8 (Niko Kapetanovic, Zach May), 4:41. 5, Albert Lea, May 8 (Kapetanovic), 6:34. Penalties—Chris Cass, Alb (elbowing), 10:28; Stephen Obarzanek, Alb (hooking), 15:43; Brett Meyers, Alb (elbowing), 18:38.

Shots on Goal—Bismarck 12-14-8—34. Albert Lea 10-5-11—26.

Power-play opportunities—Bismarck 1 of 6; Albert Lea 0 of 1.

Goalies—Bismarck, Jake Williams 8-5-0 (26 shots-23 saves). Nikifor Szczerba 2-4-3 (34-32).

A—200. T—2:05.

Referee—Justin Brown. Linesmen—Mark Supina, Andrew Dokken.