Additional Comments:

After two defeats this season to their local rivals, Lee Valley Lions were desperate for revenge. It became obvious within just a few minutes, however, that the home side would struggle to achieve their aim.

New father, Nick Breigoos, had rejoined the squad but his presence did little to prevent the visitors from Romford running rings round the Lions. The Spitfires’ play was co-ordinated, accurate and far from the “dump and chase” that had been expected.

It took Frankie Harvey only 3:35 to put a first goal past Lions’ netminder, Andrew Boot, and by the end of the first period Perry Whitlock and Joe Allen had added to the Lions’ woes, making the score 3-0 to Romford. Fortunately a fourth goal was disallowed by referee Jobbling after Boot quite rightly protested that the puck had been kicked into his net.

Andrew Boot received little support from his defencemen, whose untimely errors caused more than one rush on goal. Nonetheless, coach Sergei Smolenko chose to replace him at the beginning of the second period with back-up choice, Daniel Artis.

The second period didn’t start well, the Spitfires’ Adrian Woodyard securing a powerplay goal at 23:52 as Stas Prokofiev sat out 2-mins for interference. Prokofiev then redeemed himself by scoring an even-handed, unassisted goal at 27:45. Michael Ranby swiftly followed with a second at 32:18, the assist going to Nick Breigoos.

A third Lee Valley goal was awarded by the goal judge but was then disallowed by the referee, following much discussion with his linesmen. The lost chance to get within one goal of their rivals seemed to affect the Lions’ confidence because they paid dearly in the rest of the period, conceding a further three goals.

Ricky Mills scored the Spitfires’ 8th and final goal at 44:45. Their Perry Whitlock was sent to the penalty box at 55:53, receiving 2-mins for tripping and 10-mins for misconduct, the one-man advantage allowing Ashley Curtin to end proceedings with Lions’ third goal at 57:39, the assists going to Rob Courtman and Stas Prokofiev.

Referee was Jobbling, Linesmen were Tottman and Adams.