The last time these two sides met, Southwick's striker scored a late winner using his body, resulting in a card for the rather upset Charlie Palmer in the Lewes goal. Revenge had often been discussed. Apparently Dax had been head banging doors and chest slamming cupboards in his pregame psyche up, the 5s were fielding a strong side and additionally welcomed Peter Thomas back to Lewes with a #happyhockey run-out.

However, Southwick had other ideas, recruiting efficiently over recent months, a different Southwick side, fielding numerous 1stXI players used to a Kent/Sussex Div 2 pace and ball speed that........well......the 5s don't see very often.

The Men In Green's best spell came in the first 15 minutes which coincided with the Visitors missing their lone Centre Back as he forgot his astros. In that spell the Lewes forwards Mike Fuller, Ben Wood and John Child all claimed a drive into the Southwick D though I'm fairly sure Lewes didn't actually come close to scoring.

For those at Lewes who know the names......with 'Geek' holding Southwick's back line and 'Birdy', 'Taf', 'Kiff' and 'Dangerous' on the attack, the Men's 5s were chasing shadows and were caught out twice before the break with two very nice (and lightning quick) counter attacks.

The 5s usually #hardtobeat defence worked harder than ever, none more so than Man of The Match - Toby Rolph. In the first half Lewes were caught out playing too high but in the second period Southwick avoided the flat sticks of Rolph and Fewster and played around them instead. Charlie Palmer had a great game in goal, keeping the score down but ultimately unable to defend the resulting 2 on 1s.

Peter Thomas distributed the ball well and is errrrr confirmed fit enough to play up club. Ollie is not though, having pulled up with a hamstring and Phil Brown also finished early with an injured foot. In usual fashion both Dax and Rezaaa gave everything (at 100mph!) but Southwick were always quick to pressure a receiver forcing the homeside to 'spit-out' the ball time and again.

Two further quick team goals from Southwick put paid to any idea Lewes had of getting back into the game and thoughts turned to how England might be doing against Ireland. And that is where we finished the day, a 4-0 loss but a good hard game, match teas with an England win and a few beers to celebrate a more important win for the 4s. #happyhockey

Man of the Match: Toby Rolph

Match details

Match date

Sat 02 Feb 2019

Kickoff

16:30

Team overview