Close call for Men's 1s at Havant

Lewes Men's 1 XI travelled to high flying Havant, home of former India national team captain Sandeep Singh. The Hampshire side started brightly with the lions share of possession. James Fuller did well to pick off the Havant left back in the opening exchanges. Havant pressure told and they found an opener through a well crafted team goal. Lewes's next move, perhaps inspired by Gabrielle Alpin, was to pull the panic cord. They shipped two cheap goals inside two minutes and found themselves 3 0 down at the break with their backs firmly to the wall.

Buoyed by the words of coach Stuart Goodman during the half time team talk Lewes entered the second half determined, if a little thirsty after Michael Wood forgot the water bottles. The boys flew out of the blocks winning a short corner. Ed Firth recovering his composure to slot home having spent the warm up swooning over Sandeep. Havant scored again against the run of play after James Callaway mistrapped the ball gifting it to the Havant forward. Unperturbed Lewes continued to engage in forays deep into opposition territory. Chris Spruce probably should have scored after a direct run from the midfield. A little more time in the gym will be required for Spruce if future efforts are to actually reach the goal. A penalty corner was awarded to Lewes. Firth stepped up again. His effort was excellently saved only for Ben Cooke serve up a goal by smashing in the rebound.

Another Lewes short corner saw James Callaway trot up seeking to atone for his previous error. An intelligent flick pea rolled its way into the bottom left corner after the postman had been sent to the half way line for breaking early. Game on.

Havant were clearly rattled denying Ed Firth the ball on the edge of the D after Lewes had been awarded a free hit. Feisty Firth took exception to this, seemingly forgetting he wasn't at School and the dispute wouldn't be resolved by a fencing match. Fortunately for him Mark Best and Matt Clark were on hand to settle the skirmish on Firth’s behalf.

Lewes chased and harried Havant all over the pitch desperately searching for the equaliser. Regrettably the game ended 4 - 3 to the home side. Lewes will go into their next game full of confidence following an excellent performance and are already looking forward to next week.

Report by Mark Best.