Additional Comments:

Despite missing the services of Michael Jacobs and Michael Ranby the Lions came out all guns blazing in the first period. Within the first 5 minutes Ashley Curtin found himself with two breakaway opportunities but despite fine efforts both were thwarted by the Basingstoke netminder, Craig Agass.

Lee Valley continued their feisty approach throughout the period but the crucial first goal continued to elude them. Meanwhile, George Alley was being kept busy in the Lions’ net and with just over 2 minutes left in the period a long-range shot whacked the top of the post, providing the first scare of the night. Joe Berry then received 2+10 (2-mins tripping + 10-mins misconduct) at 19:26 which put heavy pressure on the Lions’ goal. Alley continued to hold his nerve, but was lucky that a second shot hit the bar, leaving the teams at 0-0 going into the first interval.

The stalemate didn’t continue for long in the second period as Basingstoke opened the scoring with a bizarrely easy goal at 21:07 from Daniel Lackey. George Alley had excelled thus far but was foiled this time by an open shot that spectators at the far end of the rink had seen before he did.

Just a couple of minutes later and yet another Basingstoke shot hit the bar. This was followed almost immediately by a James Hatfull slapshot doing the very same thing. Hatfull then had better luck defending as his dive managed to reach the puck which prevented the Buffalo from achieving possession.

Lee Valley’s defence struggled temporarily, leaving George Alley wide open. Basingstoke scored their second goal at 25:25 (Simon Beere putting in his first of four) but good work by Ashlee Cave put a stop to a rapid third.

A lovely, slapshot from Romanas Fedotovas finally put the Lions on the scoresheet at 26:51, the assist going to Nick Breigoos. Ashley Curtin, meanwhile, continued to have his good efforts thwarted by Agass in the Basingstoke net.

With 6 minutes of the second period left George Alley saved a shot that came on his right and was out of position for an immediate rebound shot that was fired from the left. Alley hurled himself across the goal and was rewarded with a great save.

Lee Valley then scored their second goal at 37:16 with an unassisted cracker from Stas Prokofiev: Prokofiev took the puck from one end of the ice to the other, evaded every Basingstoke attempt to stop him, took the puck round the back of the net, made an arc in front and slotted it in. Jaw-dropping stuff and a goal he was rightly proud of.

Basingstoke went into the lead again at 39:58. They made the most of a 5-on-3 advantage as both Romanas Fedotovas and James Hatfull had been sitting in the penalty box. Joe Berry, Nick Alley and Stas Prokofiev had battled valiantly but the goal were scored just as Fedotovas made his way back onto the ice.

The final period was running smoothly until Stas Prokofiev exchanged a few words with one of the Buffalo. Mark Stratford took offence to this and pushed Prokofiev to the floor from behind. Stratford clearly wanted a fight but although Prokofiev wisely declined the invitation he appeared to be ticked off by Romanas Fedotovas nonetheless.

Lee Valley were handed plenty of opportunities during the third period and although they were taken well – the standard of passing being much improved on the previous night’s game – finishing was the problem.

With just 5 minutes left to play George Alley found himself under attack again. He saved one hard shot, breathed a sigh of relief as yet another rebound shot hit the post before recoving to make a further good save.

Despite their 1-goal advantage, Basingstoke called a time-out at 57:30, followed by Lee Valley at 59:04. The Lions gambled on pulling Alley in a bid to equalise but the decision proved costly as almost immediately the puck sailed down the ice and into the empty net, thus securing Basingstoke a win.

The whole Lee Valley put in a great deal of effort, attacked consistently, had a better-prepared defence and passed well from start to finish. They easily matched their opponents and deserved to go home with one point at the very least after what was an inspired and enthusiastic performance.

Referee was Decaux and Linesmen were Rounding and Middleton.