Lewes Mens 6s (sorry..Mens 5s) win local derby

Both teams arrived 'depleted'; Lewes missing many younger players, relying primarily on the core pre-Xmas 6s and Brighton without Ramzy their skipper, Swampy on a ban and a couple of familiar faces from the 6s and 7s.

The first half was a real end-to-end game. Lewes had more possession, the defence remained strong and with older legs on the pitch this was definitely the team's best passing game. Unfortunately every ball struck in to the D was cleanly blocked and sent back out again by the Brighton's reliable defence. At the other end James Moorey didn't have much to do until a fine save was forced at the end of the half by Brighton's front man.

Both sides were pleased to hear the umpire's whistle for the break and at 0-0 it may well have been suggested that the next half be played at a walking pace, primarily in the direction of the clubhouse!! However, following half time talks at both ends confirming "Come on we can win this!" and Lewes planning a route around Brighton's defence, the game continued at the same pace.

With 15 minutes to go it was agreed on the sideline that a draw would be a very fair result, at which point a long thundering ball was sent in to the Brighton D and deftly clipped in to the goal by James Copelstone to break the deadlock. Brighton restarted on a charge, hitting the Lewes post, having a certain goal dragged off the line by Ollie Pendered and a first strike at goal from a PC raised above the back board.

In the final minutes with Brighton pressing high, Lewes broke again intending to 'keep ball' and run down the clock. Colebourne and Copelstone, working together, took the ball all the way to the D and just couldn't ignore Dax Debice waiting at the back post. Two quick passes confused Brighton's GK allowing Dax to put the ball in the corner and secure victory for the home side.

Next week the 5s face a tough match Away at Worthing 3s.