The tactic that has worked well for me in the past has a rather fast and aggressive opening. I put no creatures in. I typically equip galvitar forceblade, and a mage wand. I like to put force bash on a stick. Rush the mage, and get him in a corner alone. Wall yourselves in with steel walls and let the boxing match begin. Each turn cast force bash from your stick, then full attack. Keep him slammed. If you do put in some creatures you may just use a goblen builder or two in case they got out a few creatures and start tearing down a wall.