Lewes 5s beaten 1-0 by East Grinstead

On Saturday Lewes 5s welcomed the East Grinstead Saints to the Southdown Club for a Division 4 top of the table clash. With a goal difference of +54, East Grinstead had won each of their 10 games and Lewes were only 3 points behind with the best defensive record of all Sussex leagues.

Lewes changed formation for the first time this season, paying too much respect to EG's strike force and adding a Sweeper behind the defensive line. Richard Daniel played the role tremendously but the change resulted in the home-side defending too deep. Consequently EG camped out in the Lewes half winning numerous short corners that only came to nothing thanks to Tim Bullen's pressure on the EG striker and another Man of The Match performance from Jon Cornish in the Lewes goal.

At the break the Visitors were frustrated and whilst Lewes were very happy with the 0-0 scoreline they knew a return to the usual 2-3-2-3 formation was needed to relieve the pressure.

In the second half the change saw an immediate effect with Lewes pushing forward and Dax Debice quickly netting first from close range although with EG arms raised, the umpires knew something was amiss and the goal was disallowed for an attacking infringement. With a host of experience and player pedigree, East Grinstead played the better hockey but their game was never allowed to flow as the men in green scrapped, marked tightly and battled for every ball.

This determination to remain 'hard to beat' certainly frustrated the Visitors but conversely Lewes struggled to create their own chances and finally with only 4 minutes remaining EG were awarded their 12th short corner. On this occasion the commendable 'save everything' performance from Jon Cornish was not enough and the routine was finished by a thundering strike from ex-Dutch International Bram Van Asselt - although both sides agreed he'd had more than enough practice by this stage! And so the game finished, with a deserved but close 1-0 win for East Grinstead.

Lewes remain in 2nd position travelling to Southwick this Saturday for the last game before the Christmas break.