Additional Comments:

Playing for double points, the Lions faced this vital game against Invicta Mustangs with only two lines, missing the likes of goal-scorers Scott Beeson and Michael Jacobs. Undeterred, Lee Valley came out strong and continually threatened the home team’s goal throughout the first period. Despite a number of good attempts it was a signature slapshot from defenceman James Hatfull that secured the Lions’ first goal at 07:20. Assists went to Nick Alley and Joe Berry.

In the second period Lee Valley continued to hold out well but play was forced to become more defensive as the Mustangs noticeably strengthened their attack. An Invicta goal was becoming inevitable and it finally arrived courtesy of Michal Mikel at 29:02, despite Andrew Boot’s effort at sliding across the goal mouth.

Luke Kirkland’s fantastic speed afforded him a couple of breakaway opportunities but he was unfortunately prevented from finishing them off. Invicta may have held the majority of possession during this period but the Lions saw off a 3-on-5 situation with admirable ability.

The third period opened with the Lions again having a couple of good opportunities denied to them by the Invicta netminder, Sam Robinson. It was Ashley Curtin who put the Lions 2-1 ahead in style, his unassisted goal whizzing past Robinson at 41:44.

Desperate to regain their footing, Invicta gave Andrew Boot in the Lions’ net more than a few troublesome moments, their shots being rapidly followed by well-placed rebounds. It was Peter Carey who levelled the score, his goal coming at 45:52, assisted by Mark Farrell and James Gosling.

Less than a minute later Lee Valley nipped into the lead once more. Their third goal was the best of the night, scored by Gennadi Yufit at 46:46, assists going to James Hatfull and Romanas Fedotovas. Yufit was handed a breakaway and he took his time in front of the net to out-wit the Invicta netminder.

With less than five minutes to the end of the period disaster struck for new signing, Luke Kirkland, as he tore the ligaments in his left knee and had to be stretchered off to hospital (and despite Kirkland being in obvious pain and unable to get up, a minority of the Invicta crowd further marred the game by needlessly shouting unsporting comments).

After a delay of several minutes play resumed. Joe Berry had a breakaway but wasn’t able to finish what he’d started. It didn’t really matter, because Lee Valley held their nerve, prevented their opponents from closing the scoreline and had the points in the bag.

Referee was Hewitt and Linesmen/women were Blundell and Harris.