Box Score It was the kind of game everyone should have expected between these two teams and at this time of the year.

The Nipissing Lakers men's soccer team hosted the Toronto Varsity Blues in Round 1 of the OUA Playoffs Wednesday night and the two teams renewed their rivalry.

And at the end of the day, in tough conditions, it was the Lakers coming away with a hard-fought 1-0 win to advance to the second round.

While both teams had pressure in the opening 45 minutes, neither was able to generate much in the way of offence.

The teams entered the halftime break tied 0-0.

In the second, the drama continued and it was Nipissing who gave the home crowd something to celebrate.

Justin Gomes found the back of the net to give Nipissing the lead, one they would hold on to.

Gabe Pastore was strong in net, finishing with the clean sheet.

Next up, the Lakers hit the road and head to Oshawa to take on Ontario Tech Saturday.