Additional Comments:

Lions started well in the first period, James Hatfull knocking in the first goal at 1:01 while Spitfires’ Paul Merchant and Billy Phillips were in the penalty box. Freddie Trimble had a great attack on Romford’s goal just a couple of minutes later but was blocked by the Spitfires’ netminder as he tried to slide the puck into the corner.

Romford didn’t waste any time in making the scoreline even as after several attempts on goal their first was the result of a straight shot from Matt Turner (who went on to score a hat-trick).

Halfway through the period Andrew Boot in the Lions’ goal faced sustained pressure but was swiftly relieved by a great effort from Ashley Curtin, who took the puck up the ice and past Graeme Bird to score Lions’ second goal.

Romford’s Ben Osborne received 2-mins for interference at 9:25 and almost immediately the short-handed team gained a breakaway, fortunately thwarted by Andrew Boot. Unfortunately, Boot’s luck ran out at 10:33 when a puck shot from the other end of the ice sailed right into the back of his net. The goal was credited to Billy Phillips, who I doubt thought his shot was going to be anything other than the usual way of easing pressure while his team was short-handed.

The second period opened with the score at 2-2, but when Andrew Boot made an excellent save he was caught out just seconds later as Matt Turner scored his second of the night, a weak shot that slipped in thanks to scrappiness in front of the net.

Lee Valley’s equaliser came at 28:51, courtesy of Chris Wilson, assisted by Ruslanas Jegovoras. The Lions opted at this point to swap goalies, resting Andrew Boot in favour of George Alley. Alley’s brother Nick then made a long slapshot but Bird in the Romford net made a fantastic reaching save. Romford’s 5th goal was very well taken, James Murnane defeating two Lee Valley defencemen in flipping the puck into the top corner.

The Lions found themselves in the unenviable situation of being 3 on 5, George Alley receiving 2-mins for tripping when he swung his stick out in an attempt to clear the puck. Lee Valley held out well and at 38:56 some nice work in front of the net from Nick Alley, Stas Prokofiev and Michael Jacobs secured Lions’ 4th goal.

Heading into the final period Lee Valley were trailing Romford by one goal. The Spitfires’ netminder was out of position at one point but well-placed defence ensured the Lions’ attempts to shoot came to nothing. However, Nick Alley persisted and his diligence paid off when he scored at 41:32, assisted by Ashley Curtin and Freddie Trimble.

Romford edged back in front at 44:17 as defenceman Simon Kears spotted that George Alley’s vision was obscured and hit the 6th, assisted by Matt Turner and James Restarick. Despite being short-handed the Spitfires were handed the perfect opportunity to score the 7th at 47:54, George Alley being left completely open and undefended. The goal was scored by Matt Turner, unassisted. The final 8th goal came as Ruslanas Jegovoras inadvertently gave away possession of the puck, leaving Sam Park to score unassisted.

Referee was Hewitt, Linesmen were Tottman and Cooper.