Lewes play well but chase that elusive win

They conceded two goals in the last five minutes to see victory snatched from their grasp and losing their third match in a row.

They competed well in the opening exchanges and defended Wayfarers’ penalty corners and had similar opportunities themselves but Alex Warner saw his drag flicks saved or off target. Wayfarers then broke quickly and Lewes goalkeeper Josh Pewter saved well from a fierce strike from the top of the circle. Just before half time Wayfarers opened the scoring when the Lewes defence lost concentration allowing a shot to unsight Pewter and go into the goal.

Lewes got back into the match in the second half as skipper Matt Clark controlled midfield and James Fuller's speed and skills stretched the Wayfarers defence. At last a penalty corner routine worked and Warner's low drag flick slotted into the bottom of the goal and then Clark's skilful dribble to the by-line saw Alex Baxter on the end of his pass to put Lewes into a deserved lead. The hosts were never in total control although defenders Ed Firth and James Callaway soaked up the limited Wayfarers pressure. A third goal was required which, despite pressure on the Wayfarers goal, never arrived. Wayfarers sensed Lewes's nerves and pushed forward and equalised from a penalty corner with five minutes remaining.

In a hectic final few minutes Chris Spruce, in his first game back following injury, was unlucky to see his flick come back off the post. The resulting penalty corner was cleared and, despite Lewes feeling they should have had a free hit, the umpires thought differently. Wayfarers then broke and a high aerial ball caused chaos in the home defence. The following powerful strike from close range undeservedly won them the match.

Skipper Matt Clark was honest in his after match assessment. "It has been a tough start this season and to lose in such fashion was hard to take. We are not as strong as in previous seasons but if the players give as much commitment as they did today hopefully we can start picking up some points soon". They are away to Old Cranleighans this Saturday.

Match report by Paul Spruce