Lewes men win but is it enough?

Lewes have one final match left at home to third place Havant after Easter. They lie second from bottom, one point behind Milton Keynes, who also have a six goal better goal difference. They will hope that Teddington survive the National League relegation play offs because if they do it will mean only one team will be relegated from the South Premier League and they will survive regardless of their result against Havant. Teddington won their first match against Leek and need to beat Barford Tigers in their next to give Lewes a lifeline if they do not beat Havant.

On Saturday Lewes were the better of two sides at the bottom of the league. The game was not high on skills but with so much potentially riding on it Lewes simply had to win. They lost forward James Fuller early on to a recurring hamstring injury which disrupted them but creditably they put this behind them and did not allow Purley who were already relegated to drag them into potentially automatic relegation. Lewes provided most of the limited memorable moments in the match. Dave Roberts made it three goals in two games as he grabbed a brace in the first half as Lewes dominated before the hosts got a goal back to make it 2-1 at half time.

In the second half Lewes were put under pressure but skipper Matt Needle and goalkeeper Josh Pewter were outstanding and Alex Baxter grabbed the all-important third goal to clinch victory. Lewes will now face Havant on Saturday 11 April at the Southdown Club and on the same day Teddington will play Barford Tigers. It will be an exciting and nerve wracking day for all concerned.