Late Lewes revival not enough to avoid defeat at MK

With injuries to Dave Roberts and Matt Rickson, a debut was awarded to Jo Piller who slotted in at the back.

In a blustery first 35 minutes, Lewes failed to replicate the intensity and quality of passing of 7 days before, with Milton Keynes pressing high and forcing turnovers from a young defensive unit. When the outlets of Fuller and Spruce were released, the home sides’ physical presence was apparent holding Lewes to just one penalty corner, which didn't result in much success.

Lewes are however showing an excellent ability to counter attack with pace and determination and this was shown again as a excellent run by Ben Cooke found Alex Baxter on the back post, netting his 7th of the season. Despite a couple of late chances from MK to draw level, Josh Pewter in net held firm as the boys in green entered the break in the lead.

The second half Lewes played into the gale force winds and were pegged back in their own half. Harvey Waller was given a 2 minute suspension and it was then that Milton Keynes finally found a way through, an exuberant reverse stick strike flew in off the post. They soon added another with a backpost volley to leave Lewes trailing, and to make matters worse added a third through a well executed penalty corner.

Lewes needed to regain composure and find a foothold in the game. Josh Pewter made a string of saves to the frustration of the home side and with 10 minutes to go Lewes started to play their best hockey of the match. A nice passing move saw a shot blocked by the keeper with the rebound falling to Sam Heinzl, who made no mistake, scoring his first senior goal with 5 minutes to play to make it 3-2.

Unfortunately however it was too little too late and despite pressure, Lewes could not find an equaliser. Lewes travel to Henley in the final fixture of 2015, in what will be an important 6 pointer.

Report by Josh Pewter