Lee Valley Lions

Slough ENIHL Jets

Goals

Penalties

Lee Valley Lions

Slough ENIHL Jets

Additional Comments:

After a triumphant home win against Romford the previous day the Lions were looking for their first 4-point weekend of the season. Away to Slough ENIHL Jets, Lee Valley were in control of the first period right from the start. Strong skating and good positioning meant the Lions seemed certain to open the scoring and this was eventually achieved at 14:50, courtesy of Michael Ranby, assisted by Scott Beeson.

George Alley was left relatively untroubled in his net, although there were a few frightening seconds when the puck came to a halt on the line and Alley rushed to secure it before Slough were able to get a touch. In fact, Alley faced more bother from Slough players who seemed intent on making unnecessary contact with him. Lee Valley kept their cool admirably.

Back at the other end of the ice James Hatfull looked set to score but the shot was deflected straight onto the stick of Paul O’Neill. Despite being close to the net the number of players blocking his way prevented O’Neill from scoring. Scott Beeson had better luck at 18:21 when his shot hit home, thanks to the assistance of JJ McGrath and Michael Ranby.

After an all-too-brief 5-minute interval the second period started strongly once more. This period was Lions’ weakest as Slough’s attack and defence appeared to strengthen, their first goal coming at 21:22. Lions were disadvantaged for much of the second period as Romanas Fedotovas received 2-mins for Checking from Behind, 2-mins for Slashing and 10-mins Misconduct. Despite this, Lee Valley benefitted from a number of power play opportunities, but although handled well, the Slough defence could not be broken.

At 31:29 netminder George Alley faced his biggest test of the night as Slough were awarded a penalty shot. Taken by Barry Spours, he attempted to out-manoeuvre Alley rather than take a slapshot. His plan failed and Slough’s second goal was denied.

The Lions headed into the final period with a fragile one-goal advantage and everything to play for. The Slough side had continued to improve and a shot from ex-Lion Kevin Murphy went straight through the legs of George Alley at 41:01, allowing them to equalise. Just a couple of minutes later another shot went in but fortunately it hit the net a split second after the referee blew his whistle so was not counted. Slough did not let this deter them and an unassisted power play goal from Chris Rost saw them edge into the lead at 48:54. A long-range shot from the right then gave Slough a fourth goal at 48:54.

Lee Valley called a time-out with 57:39 but with so little time left in the match the Lions had barely any opportunity to make an impact. The team pulled out all the stops and left Slough stunned as Michael Jacobs scored at 57:55, swiftly followed by an equaliser from Scott Beeson at 58:59 (both goals scored on powerplays).

The Lions were jubilant to have pulled back and were all ready to celebrate their late comeback when the tables were turned. With just 4 seconds left on the clock Rob Formisano put a swift shot past George Alley, turning Slough into winners.

Referee was Belanger, Linesmen were Cooper and Coakley.