Lee Valley Lions -v- Swindon ENL Wildcats (Away)
10/12/06 (Lose 2-3)

Stefan Nubert (G)
Justin Grant
Grant Hutcheon
Ben Williams
Scott Beeson
Mark Saunders
Andy Watt
Nick Braithwaite
Mark Swaine
Rob Courtman (A)
Romanas Fedotovas
James Hatfull (C)
Michael Jacobs

Additional Comments:

A strongly contested encounter between the two teams earlier in the season had resulted in a 7-7 draw, but this time Lee Valley had to work that much harder. With some players absent through injury and others playing for the Under 19s the Lions mustered only 13 players including just one netminder.

The first period went to plan, Scott Beeson opening the scoring at 04:20 with a swift slapshot that flew past the glove of Jamie Thompson and hit the top corner of the net. Assists went to Nicky Braithwaite and Romanas Fedotovas. Lions continued as the more forceful side and struck again at 13:49 with an unassisted goal from Michael Jacobs. Sadly Andy Watt was added to the list of Lions' injuries when he hurt his hand and was forced to watch the remainder of the game from the bench.

The second period was a different story to the opener. A lack of cohesion and apparent fatigue began to set in almost from the start and at 21:54 Scott Gough scored Swindon's first, a short-handed goal assisted by Shannon Taylor. Much to the Lions' annoyance the Wildcats then equalised at 34:59, thanks to a shot from Neil Rouse. Lee Valley's shots on goal had halved and none would get past Jamie Thompson.

The final period was marred by Lee Valley penalties. Swindon's third goal came at 49:04 on a delayed penalty against James Hatfull. Hatfull was then sent to the sin bin for his fourth offence of the game just seconds later, at 49:25. Romanas Fedotovas received 2-mins at 55:51 for hooking but was unable to contain his frustrations and got stung with a further 10-mins for verbally abusing the referee. Still unable to keep his thoughts to himself and despite already being in the box, Fedotovas received 20-mins for further abusing the officials at 59:35.

Mark Saunders was the victim of mistaken identity at 57:27 when the referee called him with 2+10 for checking to the head. Mark was actually sitting on the bench at the time and could not possibly have checked anyone but despite strong protestations he was sent to the penalty box.

Netminder Stefan Nubert was also penalised as he left the ice in the dying seconds to allow the Lions an extra outfield player, but by leaving his stick in the crease he received 2-mins. Swindon were allowed to take a penalty shot but their attempt was neatly saved by Nubert.

None of these penalties did the Lions any favours as they made it all the more difficult for the team to equalise and the struggle was just too much. Fortunately Swindon were unable to hit the back of the net either, leaving the final score 3-2 to Swindon ENL Wildcats.

Referee was Brown, Linesmen were Florey and Kemp.