After a weekend off following their game against Haringey. The Lions welcomed cup group leaders Peterborough to East London for the first time this season.
Lions were missing Ben Gillingham, Jordan Turner, Joe Weare & James Gosling.
Peterborough featured the returning James Pentecost, who had just left the Lions’ co-tenants London Raiders.
1st Period: The Lions started strongly, forcing several turnovers early on. After James Andrew had made a save, the puck found its way to James Hepburn (3:28, assists Duffy, Andrew) who blasted a slap shot from long range, that somehow trickled through Dan Lane’s legs. Shortly after James Joseph was calling for Hooking and the Islanders began to gain momentum, creating several near chances on Andrew’s net but the Peterborough native held firm. After a sustaining their pressure Conor Pollard (11:44, assist Pentecost) was left unmarked to score, but Lee Valley returned fire soon after as James Hepburn (14:51, assists Geldart, Matt Hepburn) slotted home after good work from his line mates. Ten seconds later though, and the goal-scorer was in the box for Kneeing, but strong work from Nick Alley & Chris Fox (SH goal 15:26, assist Alley) saw the Lions double their lead despite the man advantage. Oskar Horter then received 2 minutes for Interference and Peterbough used the 5-on-3 advantage to score through Robert Mcdonald (PP goal 16:30, unassisted). Islanders maintained possesion but Andrew stood strong to close the period at 3-2 to Lee Valley.
2nd Period: Peterborough tied proceedings quickly when Conor Pollard (22:22, unassisted) broke away after a turnover in the neutral zone. The play went back and forth and the Lions were given a power-play opportunity when Callum Worthington-Evans was called for Tripping. As the powerplay moved the puck along the blue line, a misplaced pass allowed Peterborough to score short-handed through Bradley Moore (SH goal 34:29, assist Groom). Lee Valley returned the pressure but were unable to reply before period ended at 4-3 to the visitors.
3rd Period: The Islanders went two goals ahead early on through Deivid Cetvertak (41:17, assists Pollard, Barlow) and from there they continued to pile pressure on the Lions’ goal. Shaun Yardley (45:21, assists Cetvertak, Pollard) (SH goal 53:39, assist Hunter) twice finding the net before Bradley Moore (PP goal, assist Long) finished the scoring in the last 4 minutes.
GAME STATS
Final Score: Lee Valley Lions 3-8 Peterborough Islanders
Period Scores: 3-2/0-2/0-4
Shots on Goal: 29-60 (7-23/11-13/11-24)
PiMs: Lee Valley 22-10 Peterborough.
Scorers: Lee Valley – James Hepburn (2+0), Chris Fox (1+0), James Andrew, Simon Geldart, Ben Duffy, Matt Hepburn & Nick Alley (0+1)
Peterborough – Conor Pollard (2+2), Shaun Yardley & Bradley Moore (2+0), Deivid Cetvertak (1+1), Robert Mcdonald (1+0), Leon Groom, Sam Barlow, Nathan Long, Connor Hunter & James Pentecost
The result ends Lee Valley’s chances of qualifying for the cup semi-finals but there are still two trips to Swindon and Bristol coming up in January and February.
In our next game the Lions travel to Invicta Mustangs for our last game before the Christmas break on Saturday, December 10th.
Our game at Chelmsford, initially scheduled for January 7th is currently under consideration, we will announce a new date when we are notified by the league.
Our next game is on January 14th when we travel to Bristol in the Cup.
Our next home game is on January 21st against Chelmsford Warriors.
Ticket and travel information can be found in the Game Day section of our website.
You can follow the Lions on Facebook & Twitter with #LeeValleyLions for up to date news and live scores.