Men's 5s plan didn't work at Crawley

Playing 3 at the back, and the Lions in their usual positions (up front) meant that conceding goals on the counter was on the cards but we would try and score more goals than Crawley. It started well with Lewes pressing high and James Copelstone netting the first. 1-0 to Lewes.

For 15 minutes Lewes were really ripping Crawley apart; the passing and movement was excellent with 'The Ryans' linking well together and Drew Wain dribbling through their defence, but Crawley didn't allow Lewes that final shot on goal. Lewes had the possession but by the break Crawley had pulled out a 3-1 lead; each goal from a successful counter attack. It was expected but we decided to enjoy the game in the glorious sunshine rather than pull everyone in to unfamiliar positions.

Lewes started the 2nd half determined and within 10 minutes had levelled the score at 3-3. Game on? No - the wheels fell off the bus!! Crawley's Centre Mid, 'Stewey' had the bit between his teeth and on more than one occasion picked up the ball from centre and dribbled through the Lewes midfield and defence providing his skipper with a sweaty finish. At 5-3 Lewes were not down and out; we pressed high, retained possession but lacked the final finish.

As legs tired Crawley caught us time and again on the break, as we had expected, and a final flurry of converted penalty corners saw the home side win 9-3 with the final PC routine very well rehearsed and executed. In all honesty Crawley could have scored more on the break but for David Mansell intercepting the final ball, and more from PC's but young Jonathan Cornish made many a superb save.