Men's 5s beat Brighton & Hove 7s 1-0

FIXTURE: Sussex Div 4
HOME TEAM: Lewes Men's 5s 1 (Fuller)
AWAY TEAM: Brighton & Hove Men's 7s 0

On Saturday afternoon in the wind and rain at Falmer pitch, Lewes Men's 5s strengthened their position at the top of Sussex Division 4 with a crucial win over third placed Brighton & Hove Men's 7s thanks to Steve Fuller's fist half goal.

Lewes dominated the early exchanges and were unlucky not to have been further ahead at the break with numerous chances saved by the Brighton goalkeeper and penalty corners sent wide. The Lewes attack was finally rewarded in the 31st minute when Phil Brown sent a searching ball into the D that was hit first time by Fuller past the Brighton goalkeeper.

After the break Brighton changed tactics and applied a successful press that frustrated Lewes who now struggled to get the ball across the halfway line. Despite the constant pressure the Lewes defence showed why they have only conceded 9 goals this season by cancelling out each attack with their 'hard to beat' attitude.

Eventually Lewes came close to extending their lead when winger Chris Appleton struck a thundering shot from the edge of the D that was parried over the crossbar by the goalkeeper. A couple of acrobatic efforts from the Lewes skipper Malcolm Wain did not miss by much and both Steve Fuller and Jon Cornish also went close.

Brighton however, who barely threatened throughout the first half, ended the second with a string of penalty corners defended well by the 'Men in Green' with a certain final minute equaliser tipped wide by goalkeeper Charlie Palmer with an outstretched foot.

Lewes remain on equal points with leaders South Saxons, but sit in second position on goal difference.

Man of the Match: Charlie Palmer #happyhockey

Match Report: Malcolm Wain