Stirring win for league leading threes

Match report: Sam Matthews

With their winning blend of youth and experience Lewes dominated early possession, but despite their dominance, they were unable to break down a plucky St Francis who had most of their team defending.

With the midfield maestros of Casselden, Short, Pully and Matthews rotating on a frequent basis, they were able to subdue the younger and fitter opposing midfielders who eventually let their frustrations get the better of them, earning the first of many cards for infringements and back-chat with the umpires. With the extra man, Lewes used this advantage driving forward with the pace of Toby and Cooke on either wing and eventually breaking the deadlock with a scrappy reverse chip shot from Harvey.

The second half continued with much of the same Lewes pressure and poor discipline from St Francis, whose midfield posed a threat only when they could get into Lewes territory. Thankfully, Lewes’s backline - which had had little to do in their own half - were pressing high, nullifying counter attacks by the halfway line, with a special mention to Dakin (MofM) for his strong tackling and distribution of the ball.

Lewes continued to press and despite numerous short-corners, eventually got their second via a solo effort from Harvey in what can only be described as his trade-mark run from midfield, into the D and onto his reverse stick.

In the closing quarter of the game, St Francis stole a goal back, but thankfully Lewes were able to re-focus and see out the final whistle, claim the win and keep themselves 2 points clear at the top of the table.