Lewes opened the scoring when skipper Rob Heinzl struck home from a fierce penalty corner shot. Brighton responded also from penalty corner to equalise but Lewes grabbed the lead just on half time when Sam Matthews showed endeavour and skill to wrong foot the home defence and slot into the goal.
The second half saw Lewes dominate early possession and it was no more than they deserved when Matthews lobbed the hosts’ goalkeeper after a penalty corner to make it 3-1. Brighton then applied pressure and Lewes defenders Mark Tonkin and David Mansell were composed in clearing from dangerous situations. With minutes left Brighton scored from close range but Lewes survived to claim victory.