Lewes unable to convert against Cranleighans

Lewes face a crucial relegation match this Saturday away to bottom club Staines after this narrow defeat at the Southdown Club.

Lewes welcomed back Matt Rickson in defence returning from injury and started well - dominating possession in the opening twenty minutes. As is often the case when at the wrong end of the table that little bit of luck early on eluded them. From their first penalty corner after five minutes Alex Lloyd's powerful flick appeared to strike the defender’s leg on the line for a penalty stroke but the Umpire ruled it was off the stick, to the disappointment of the hosts and the relief of Cranleighans. To their credit Lewes did not let their heads drop and forced two more penalty corners but both strikes were straight at the goalkeeper. Cranleighans then grew in confidence and put pressure on the Lewes defence. A penalty corner was saved by goalkeeper Josh Pewter but the distribution of the ball out of defence was erratic inviting Cranleighans forward and Lewes then lost their discipline losing two players to a yellow and green card. The crucial first goal arrived just before half time with Lewes down to ten players as the defence failed to clear a cross and the loose ball was struck low into the goal.

The second half saw Lewes with good periods of possession in a tightly congested midfield but they failed to create many clear cut open play chances other than a good move from halfway which saw Alex Baxter cross and Jimmy Fuller slide in at the far post only for the goalkeeper to save well. Their pressure did force three more penalty corners but each flick was disappointingly again straight at the goalkeeper when a variation was cried out for. Cranleighans lost two players to cards as their desperate breaking down of play and tackles was penalised but they are not in the top half of the league without reason and they defended solidly getting men behind the ball to frustrate Lewes as they failed to make their numerical advantage count. In the final minute Lewes pushed further players forward but crucially lost control of the ball just outside the Cranleighans circle and they broke quickly and scored from close range to clinch victory.

A surprise victory for London Wayfarers away at Spencer means Lewes are now four points adrift from them second from bottom having played a game more. Skipper Matt Clark was understandably frustrated. ''When we score the first goal in matches we gain in confidence and have gone on to victories this season. This was a tight game where the opening goal was always going to be crucial. We have to ensure victory against Staines and put the pressure on the teams above us in the remaining matches and I am confident we can do this if we play to our potential, take our chances and defend well.''

Report by Paul Spruce