For the second year in a row Lewes found themselves up against Brighton in the County Cup semi-final. This year the season had treated each club differently. Lewes had an excellent record up to Christmas when they lost their coach and two influential players and struggled to find any form. Brighton had a disastrous start to their first season in the National League gaining only one point up to the mid-season break but then finding their feet and against all the odds looking to stay in the league with one play-off game remaining. For each team a tale of two halves.

From the first whistle the superior pace of Brighton was very apparent and this was maintained throughout the match. Within a minute they had won a penalty corner and scored from a well taken flick. Lewes put together a good passage of play and were unlucky not to get the equalizer but Brighton countered and cracked open the Lewes defence with some quick passing to score their second. Lewes were unable to respond and individual breaks into the Brighton half were met by solid defence and quick counter attack. It was from such an attack that the third goal was added with Brighton putting together a series of passes ending with the ball being played past keeper Josh Pewter. The Lewes defence held out for the rest of the half even though they were reduced to ten men for part of the time and Pewter made some excellent saves.

Lewes began the second half in a more positive mode and within ten minutes had created two penalty corner opportunities. However the shots were saved and from the second Brighton countered with the Lewes defence on the back foot to score their fourth. Once again Brighton dominated the play and twice more found their way past the defence. With ten minutes left Lewes put together some good attacking play and won a series of penalty corners, one of which was flicked home by Alex Warner. However it was too late and Brighton went home worthy winners.

For Lewes it is the end of a mixed season. They have an excellent squad of players and, with a good coach, could look forward to a successful campaign in the season ahead.

By Sharpie