National League: Lee Valley 5 Peterborough 6

Lee Valley Lions were left empty-handed after conceding a last-minute powerplay goal to the Islanders last night.

A tripping penalty against Ashlee Cave proved costly, with Nick Alley already sidelined on a high-sticking call, as the visitors made their extra man count to snatch victory through James Pentecost, with only 39 seconds remaining.

Craig Lazenby had put Peterborough into an early lead in east London, but Roman as Fedotovas levelled in the eighth minute and then set up James Hepburn on the next shift to put Lions ahead just 15 seconds later.

Peterborough turned the match on its head in the middle period, though, netting four times to Lee Valley’s single effort.

Steven Maile struck either side of Gennadi Yufit’s goal before Alex Cleves put Peterborough 4-3 up at the midway mark.

Lazenby added a fifth for the visitors before the second interval, but Joseph Berry replied for Lions early in the final period to give them hope.

And when Hepburn struck for the second time on the night, as Lions enjoyed a powerplay chance, in the 56th minute it looked like honours might finish even.

Lee Valley’s joy was shortlived, though, as Alley was binned a minute later, then joined on the sidelines by Cave.

And although Alley returned to the ice to give Lionsn a fourth skater, Cave was still in the penalty box when Pentecost settled the issue late on.

Lions now face a three-week break until they host Oxford on November 9.

Meanwhile, the under-18s are due to entertain Cardiff tonight (Sunday, 5.15pm), after the under-14s lost 6-2 at Chelmsford last night.

Scorers, Lions: Hepburn 2 Fedotovas 1+2 Berry 1+1 Yufit 1+1 Hatfull 0+1 Joseph 0+1.

Islanders: Maile 2 Lazenby 2 Pentecost 1+1 Cleves 1 Porter 0+2 Turley 0+1 Mackintosh 0+1.

Penalty minutes: Lions 20 Islanders 30.