Lewes 1s well earned win over Oxford Uni

Lewes continued their recent encouraging displays with their second league victory of the season. It leaves them level on points with Henley and three ahead of bottom team Staines.

In wet and blustery conditions at the Southdown Club Lewes played some of their best hockey in the first half and blew the University away. As early chances were wasted it was from their first penalty corner that they took the lead when James Calloway's low flick found the back of the goal. Lewes dominated midfield and their pace up front was too much for a lethargic Oxford and it was no surprise when a low cross was converted from close range by the alert Alex Baxter after fifteen minutes. Skipper Matt Clark and youngster Ed Firth were dominant and after twenty minutes Chris Spruce beat two defenders and his hard cross was deflected home by Mike Wood at the far post. Oxford finally got some momentum and scored from close range after a break down the right but Lewes made it 4-1 just before halftime when James Fuller skilfully dribbled past defenders and from the top of the circle scored with a fierce shot.

Lewes are not used to winning games and they lost their momentum early in the second half giving possession away and conceding territory. Oxford needed no second invitation and they converted a penalty corner to make it 4-2. With the hosts under pressure they were indebted to defenders Tom Stratford and new player Harvey Waller, who has returned to Lewes, for their strong tackling and distribution out of defence. With fifteen minutes remaining Waller found Spruce just outside the circle and his accurate pass found Baxter in front of an open goal and he converted his second and Lewes's fifth. Oxford came back strongly and a deflected penalty corner and a well taken close range strike brought it back to 5-3 with five minutes remaining. Lewes held firm and goalkeeper Josh Pewter made successive saves from penalty corners in overtime. The only bad news in this victory was a broken finger for defender David Roberts who took a ball on his hand just on the final whistle and he will now be unavailable until the new year.

Skipper Clark was pleased with the performance. “We started really well and actually converted our chances in the first half when we dominated possession. When we had to, we dug deep in the second half and defended our lead. We now need to take this performance and victory into our final two matches before Christmas.” They start on Saturday away at Milton Keynes.

Match report by Paul Spruce