Dramatic 12 goal match at London Wayfarers

One of the reasons we all love sport, is the roller coaster of emotions that it brings. 7 days ago, Lewes clung on for a 0-0 draw, and it felt like a victory. This week, with 2 goals conceded in the final minute, two calamitous errors and some expert finishing from the home side, the 6-6 draw against London Wayfarers, felt like a defeat.

In truth, a draw was a far from ideal result for either side. Separated by a single point at the wrong end of the table, a win would have been an excellent vantage point from which to chase the middle pack in the league.

Lewes started incredibly brightly and found themselves 3 goals to the good within the first 10 minutes. The 3 touch passing style working to excellent effect. Alex Lloyd in his new role up top caused havoc and Ben Cooke found much room on the right side, getting behind the defence to great effect.

In truth, it could have been more however Wayfarers gained a counter attack against run of play and a penalty corner was conceded. Pewter saved but the rebound was forced in from close range. Moments later a marking mix up saw the Wayfarers forward in acres of space and reduced the deficit to just 1 goal going into half time.

Lewes soon found their footing again and it wasn't long before they regained the lead. Baxter scoring his second before Spruce added another. Wayfarers pulled one back with a tidy reverse to make it 5-3.

A nice piece of individual skill from Callaway resulted in a nasty foul on skipper Matt Clark. A penalty was awarded and Baxter rounded off his hattrick and 11th of the season from the spot.

At 6-3 Lewes should have been high and dry. However a dubious penalty corner was awarded for not being 5 metres. It struck Tom Stratford on the line and a penalty was awarded. It was dispatched. 6-4.

With 90 seconds left Lewes just needed to hold on to the ball. The ball was turned over deep into the London side's half and a speculative aerial ball was sent forward. Dave Roberts failed to bring it down and the Wayfarers forward struck a thunderous volley into the side netting.

25 seconds left, Lewes just had to hold on to the ball. It was passed back to defence and a spot of confusion saw James Callaway pass the ball straight to the opposing central midfielder. He found the forward 1 v 1 against Pewter, and with seconds to spare, he found the deftness of touches to slot it in, spurring wild celebrations from the home side and disbelieving looks of horror from the Lewes players.

For the neutral it was an exceptional game that had it all. For Lewes, despite the nagging sense of what could have been, they have to take the positives in what was their first point away from home this season. They have goals, the players and a fantastic team spirit that is unwavering. If they can add some composure to hold out games in the closing stages, the results in the final 8 games will come.

Lewes host Old Cranleighans at home on Saturday.

Goals - Baxter 3, Spruce, Cooke, Lloyd. Report by Josh Pewter