Three's thirst for victory rewarded

Your match reporter: Tom Casselden

From the whistle, Lewes attacked hard, and in less than 3 minutes found themselves in the Hailsham D. Tom Harvey had no hesitation in finding the backboard with a crisp reverse sweep. 1-0 Lewes.

Hailsham responded with several attacking moves through the clear playmakers in midfield. Some confusion between Lewes, the umpire and a football situation caught the Lewes defence napping, saw Hailsham pulling level.

Both teams challenged hard, with some key tackles in midfield, by both Lewes and Hailsham. Lewes capitalised on a loose midfield ball. A quick Casselden, Pulley, Smart, Plail and Harvey link up resulted in Harvey finding the net. 2-1 Lewes.

Jelly babies eaten, squash consumed and cards shuffled, the second half was a feisty affair. Hailsham sought to assault the score and wrestle their way back into the game. Strong defensive plans from Youngman where clinically executed by the Evergreen Legend (Picken), Dakin, Youngman and new face Boyland. Some key saves from Hughes S (GK) kept Lewes ahead.

Lewes took the momentum and after scrappy attack in the Hailsham D took the score to 3-1. Goal unclaimed, but certainly wasn’t G. Martin's.

A penalty stroke to Hailsham (very nearly saved by Hughes) bought Hailsham back in the game and was followed by some Lewes ill-discipline. 3-2 . With only 8 players on the pitch the team dug deep, Plail and Izzard linked up for a finish of military precision from Plail. 4-2. Hailsham persevered and worked a well-deserved goal to see a long second half finish 4-3.

A great game for the men in green. And, 3 more important points early in the season.

Men of the match: Boyland C. & Hughes S. for some great defensive work.
DOTD: Casselden T. for stick and shoulder misdemeanours.