Lions mauled by rampant Solent

Lee Valley Lions 0 Solent & Gosport Sharks 7

LEE VALLEY failed to maintain their recent good form as they were beaten 7-0 by top of the table Solent.

The hosts came out strong and held Gosport at bay until Craig Weedon struck unassisted at 12 minutes 34 seconds.

Netminder Ruth Cattell barely had time to settle back between the pipes when Canadian Andrew Campbell hit the visitors’ second, unassisted again at 12.58.

The 12th minute was a blip in what was otherwise an entertaining first period in which the Lions put on a competent display that more than matched that of their formidable opponents.

Lee Valley continued to show good form throughout the second period, demonstrating reliable and solid penalty-killing but failing to break through the Devils’ defence to score.

The Lions held Gosport to only one goal, their third of the game courtesy of Andrew Campbell at 35.56.

Showing no obvious signs of fatigue or sinking morale, Lee Valley’s luck dipped during the final period. Four goals flew past Cattell in the Lions’ net, three unassisted and the other the result of a misdirected pass from the Lee Valley defence, right in front of the net.

In a desperate attempt to avoid being shut-out, the Lions pulled Cattell during the final minute of the game in order to gain the advantage of another skater. Sadly the tactic did not work to their advantage and Gosport retained their reputation and unbeaten run, winning 7-0.

Despite losing, Lee Valley’s performance was more than credible, defence work from Blair Dubyk and Kwabina Oppong-Addai being particularly impressive.

Lee Valley Lions host an important derby match against Romford Fury on 29 January, face-off 5.15pm.