Impressive Lewes win to go top of the league

The intent from Lewes was clear to see from the first whistle. The defenders were committed to taking the game to their opponents, and the forwards ran themselves ragged in the opening quarter, turning over the ball for several chances which unfortunately were not converted. Late in the first half, and after some slick interplay, Lewes had the lead with Alex Lloyd firing home a powerful flick from a penalty corner.

Old Bordenians did not react at halftime and were quickly 2 down. Jonny Rea scored an excellent volley, only for the play to be brought back for a premature call for a penalty corner. However, Harvey Waller made no mistake with the drag-flick and doubled the lead.

Five minutes later, Rea got his name on the score sheet. After some quick passing down the right-hand side, he received the ball with his back to goal with seemingly nowhere to go. But Rea kept his cool and manoeuvred the ball quickly behind his body and slammed it across goal into the bottom corner. 3-0 Lewes.

Old Bords tried to get back in the game through a combination of direct play and elbowing the Lewes players, the latter resulted in a string of yellow cards much to the amusement of the Lewes fans. However, they created pressure and converted a penalty corner with five minutes to go. Cue a comeback?

That was not the case. Old Bords continued to push for a goal to try to maintain their position at the top of the table, but the Lewes lads hassled and harried then and comfortably soaked up each attack, and eventually stole the ball for a quick counter. This time, Rea sprinted down the right-hand side, hit it to Matt Hickman on the run who had the presence of mind to commit the keeper and pass it around for a tap-in for Alex Jellings who made no mistake for his first goal of the season.

The fantastic defensive work secured the win and means Lewes now leapfrog Old Bords at the top of the table. Next weekend the lads travel to Maidstone on a high in search of another win.