Men's 1s bag first victory of season

Heading into their fifth game of the season without a point, it is perhaps too early to label games as must win, however with Staines visiting the Southdown also void of victory, this was one Halloween Lewes did not want to end in a Horror show,

The game started as a cagey affair with Staines applying a half court press, looking to catch Lewes on the counter. The home side wasted a penalty corner early on and then were hit with a huge setback as Alex Warner was taken off with a back injury.

The Lewes flanks of Jimmy Fuller and Chris Spruce caused no end of problems for the Staines defence, however despite countless circle penetrations, a combination of good goalkeeping from the Staines number one and a lack of clinical finishing meant the game went into half time all square.

The 2nd half was much of the same and whilst Lewes pressed ahead for an opener, they frequently left themselves exposed to the counter. The return of Matt Rickson proved a welcome one as he made a number of fine tackles at the back. The times Staines did enter the D, their chances were thwarted by an in-form Josh Pewter in net.

With several more penalty corners blocked out well by the Staines defence, the encounter looked in danger of fizzling out, however it took a moment of individual skill to break the deadlock. Chris Spruce broke into the right side of the D, jinking past two defenders and lifting the ball over the advancing keeper to wild celebrations from the home faithful.

The closing stages of the match became a nervy affair. Lewes having squandered advantageous positions in the last three matches, the crowd were noticeably nervous. The home side were then reduced to 10 as Dave Roberts saw yellow and Staines kicked on for the equaliser. However calmness and intelligent defending was key, especially from young players Mike Wood and Sam Heinzl and Lewes held out for their first win of the season.

Lewes take on Banbury next week away from home.

Report by Josh Pewter