Lewes men's 5s frozen out by Brighton

A heavy defeat in the reverse fixture before Christmas saw Lewes try and restrict the chances early on for the hosts who boasted experienced players mixed with talented youngsters. On fifteen minutes Brighton were ahead after a melee in the circle and it got worse five minutes later when an error from the defence saw the second goal netted. Lewes creditably got back into the game when Mike Fuller cut in from the left and scored to make it 2-1 at half time.

Lewes were under more pressure in the second half and conceded early on from close range but a brave run by Sam Matthews down the right saw his cross superbly converted by Peter Coplestone midway through the half to make it 3-2. Lewes, sensing a chance to get back into the match, pressed forward but could not create any further opportunities. Defenders Chris Picken and Mark Tonkin produced some good tackles to break up the hosts’ attacks and goalkeeper Chris Sharpe made some brave saves before, in the final minutes in a hailstorm, Brighton converted a penalty corner to clinch the 4-2 win.