Late Comeback for Lewes Men's 5s
It was left late, but Lewes 5s overcame a goal deficit against Southwick 3s to win 2-1 this Saturday.
In what could be best described as a scrappy affair, the team showed good resilience after squandering many chances. Lewes started slowly with an early defensive lapse giving the home side a clear cut opportunity. Keeper Jon Cornish was left outnumbered, and Southwick's forgotten lone forward converted the easy chance. 1-0 to Southwick.
Despite the scoreline Lewes pushed forward, largely through the excellent play of Ben Wood and Peter Colebourn down the right wing. Lewes were awarded some 8 short corners but with the usual suspects on holiday the Southwick goalkeeper was only forced into making a couple of saves and the visitors remained behind at the break.
The half time discussions saw a formation change to cancel out Southwick's forward and giving Lewes a defensive foundation to build upon. Colin Melia continued to drive the ball out of midfield and with some incisive dribbling from Ben Wood the team began to threaten constantly in Southwick's half.
It took a goalmouth scramble to equalise, as Alex Pewter was left to sweep home the ball at the back post following a mix up between goalkeeper and full back. The momentum had now shifted in favour of Lewes and with only ten minutes remaining, finally a "well worked" short corner routine found Peter Colebourn at the right post to score what proved to be the winner.
The defence continued to work hard to deal with the talented young players Southwick had on display; debutant Richard Daniel and Simon Murray making a number of key interceptions. Lewes almost had a third when Peter Colebourn slipped the ball left to Alan Forster whose shot hit the goalkeeper's pads. Forster jumped on the rebound, gave the ball back to Colebourne and alas the final shot at goal was just the wrong side of the post.
The game was closed out with one final and vital near post save from Jon Cornish who had already kept the home side out on a number of occasions. Lewes 5s take their record to five wins in six and a trip to Chichester next Saturday.
Match Report from Alex Pewter