Kent / Sussex Men’s Regional 2
Lewes Men’s 2s, 3
Mid Sussex Men’s 1s, 1
Lewes entered this fixture requiring 3 points and a solid performance following a recent dip in form, and the Southdown witnessed their best performance of the season on Saturday. Lewes opened the game at a frantic pace and Angus Donaldson and Oli Baxter were causing the Mid Sussex defence all sorts of problems with their relentless movement and electric pace. Mid Sussex had set up to catch Lewes on the counter attack and spent much of the 1st half soaking up Lewes pressure. Resolute defending at the Lewes end by the ostentatious Max Rhodes, Ben Butcher, the effervescent Pete Thomas & the youthful Alex Lloyd kept Mid Sussex at bay well in the first 35 minutes. Oli Baxter, Angus Donaldson and Alex Lickorish all went close in the first half but could not break the deadlock. At half time the encounter remained goalless, however Lewes soon got their reward 8 minutes in to the second half from a penalty corner. Alex Lloyd converted with a superb drag flick in to the top right-hand corner, leaving the keeper no chance.
Lewes continued to press with Ole Callf and Chris Emery pulling the strings in the middle of the park, and Mark Best creating a number of opportunities down the left hand side. Lewes extended their lead with some fine pattern play, the two forwards combined well with Angus Donaldson finding Oli Baxter at the far post for a simple finish, making it 2-0. Lewes sensed that a third goal would kill the game off and with 11 minutes remaining some fine play from Mark Best down the left hand side found Matt Bevan unmarked in the D, and the inform striker skipped passed two before slipping the ball past the on rushing Mid Sussex keeper at the near post.
There was still enough time for Mid Sussex to grab a consolation goal on the break with 4 minutes remaining. A fine all round team display with standout performances from Best, Donaldson, and Lickorish has set up an exciting run in for Ross Bone’s mighty 2nd XI as they seek back to back promotions this season.
