Spencer too much for men's 1s

...but a combination of loss of composure and questionable umpiring saw them concede three goals in the last four minutes whilst down to eight men on the pitch. The game was played in good spirit with no animosity between the teams and it certainly did not merit the six yellow cards that were given during the second half.

The first half was mainly controlled by Lewes who were playing with the new-found confidence they had displayed over recent weeks. However the scoring opened when a breakaway by Spencer resulted in a penalty stroke after an attacker was bought down by keeper, Rory Jervis. The Lewes response was immediate and the ball was taken deep into the Spencer half where James Fuller took the ball into the left of the circle and put his shot just wide of the keeper to equalise. Then just before half time Lewes were given a penalty corner and skipper, Matt Needle, put the ball into the back of the net.

The second half started with Lewes on top and they were unlucky not to increase their lead when the ball was played across an open goal into a scum of players. A penalty corner resulted but the shot was saved. As the half progressed Lewes became frustrated by the need to defend their lead and their inability to score again. With fifteen minutes to go a Spencer attack resulted in a dubious penalty corner and Lewes received the first of a series of yellow cards that were given by an umpire who seemed to lose control of the game. Spencer equalised with a well taken flick and the game seemed destined to be a draw. However with only four minutes remaining Lewes were reduced to nine men when the coach and a player were yellow carded. Spencer took advantage and scored twice through the depleted defence adding a fifth when Lewes received another yellow card to end the game with only eight players.

On Saturday, Lewes are away to Staines, another “must win” game to get out of the relegation zone.