National League: Slough Jets 8 Lee Valley Lions 4

Lee Valley were dominated by Slough for the second consecutive match and fell to defeat at the Hangar.

Having won 5-2 in east London a week earlier, the home side dominated the opening period, netting their first goal in the 10th minute courtesy of Jamie Milton, who added a second just a few minutes later on a powerplay, banging in a pass from behind the net.

Jets captain and former England under-19 player James Sanderson gave his side a 3-0 cushion and then Ashley West padded their lead with a breakaway score in the 17th minute.

The Lions started slowly again in the second period but a quick breakaway score by Ben Duffy, assisted by Chris Fox, put the visitors on the scoreboard.

Jets netminder Simon Johnstone made a few solid saves to hold off a resurgent Lee Valley, but after a penalty was called on Sanderson, Nicholas Alley scored with a slap shot from the left face-off circle to cut Slough’s lead in half.

With seven minutes left in the period, the Lions had several chances in front of goal as the Slough supporters called for interference.

Johnstone finally smothered the puck, but two players had to be separated after a slight tussle and Lee Valley drew to within one in the 35th minute, with Fox finding the net.

With minutes to play in the second period, Joseph Berry was sent to the box for the Lions and Slough’s Nat Darmanin scored a powerplay goal.

Lions goalie James Tipple was injured while attempting to make the save and was replaced by Steven Grout.

And in the final period, the momentum went back to Slough as Dave Print scored after just 78 seconds and Darmanin added his second to give the Jets a 7-3 lead.

West added another to the tally, smashing a slap shot home from just inside the blue line.

And although Duffy pulled one back for Lions with 20 seconds left, it was little more than a consolation.

Lee Valley are back on home ice to entertain Basingstoke Buffalo tonight (Sunday, 5.30pm).