Lewes u16 boys through to the semi-finals of the Sussex Cup

Following 2 pitch inspections the game got underway on time in a freezing Hailsham. Lewes started well with Eddie Casselden running the play from central midfield and Lewes soon had Hailsham pinned back in their own 23 for most the the half. Captain Ollie Loader and Toby Izzard bossed the midfield and enjoyed significant possession, but together with the forwards found it difficult to break down a resolute Hailsham defence. Lewes found it difficult using the right whilst Louis Soudain, Elliot Middleton and Josh Randall saw a lot of the ball and breaks into the D did produce a string of chances and short corners with all the forwards peppering the goal with shots - but the Hailsham keeper remained un beaten. Lewes were guilty of wasting too much possesion during the first period as they attempted to break down a resolute Hailsham defence.

However a much improved 2nd half performance with the team at last playing some crisp passing hockey. Despite containing Hailsham for long periods in their own defending third Lewes were unable to find the net. An interesting ’technical’ umpiring decision resulted in a penalty corner award against Lewes, who were indebted to ‘keeper Billy Palmer producing an outstanding save to keep the score 0-0. This spurred Lewes on, and playing with greater intensity forced numerous saves from the Hailsham ‘keeper. A resulting penalty corner well struck by Eddie Casselden rebounded from the keepers pads to Captain Ollie Loader who dispatched a shot into the bottom left corner. With Hailsham forced to play a more expansive game further opportunities fell to Lewes and one particularly well worked play from an interception by Theo Whiting fed Jago Hussain and an exchange of passes with Hugh Middleton led to a cross into the Hailsham D which Toby Izzard hit first time pulling a save from the keeper and the ball rebounding to the top of the D where Ollie Sherfield crashed the ball into the roof of the net to seal a well deserved win for the U16s.

A good result for the u16s boys who together with the u14s boys side are now in the hat for the Semi finals of the Sussex cup.