Lewes give it everything they have but fall short against Havant

With three, possibly four clubs getting relegated, depending on who comes down from the National Conference leagues, Lewes are second to bottom four points behind Oxford University and five points behind Henley who have a game in hand. Lewes have still to play both of these sides.

Defeat against second place Havant was not a surprise and you could not criticise the hosts for the effort and energy they showed throughout. The difference between the two was in taking goal scoring opportunities and keeping your discipline at crucial times in the match.

The opening exchanges were even and you would have been hard pushed to know Lewes were striving to avoid relegation. Lewes were without top goal scorer Alex Baxter with a hamstring injury which restricted their attacking lineup. Lead by captain Matt Clark, who worked tirelessly in midfield, they almost opened the scoring after a break down the right but the cross found empty space with no one able to convert. Then with twenty five minutes gone Lewes lost possession in midfield and a quick release into the right channel saw an unmarked Havant forward drive into the circle and release a powerful shot through Josh Pewter's legs for the crucial opening goal. Lewes had an opportunity to respond from a penalty corner but the push out was not stopped and the chance was gone. Just before half time Havant broke from defence and an aerial ball was controlled on the right as the hosts’ defence floundered and a powerful run and flick into the roof of the net from an acute angle made it 2-0.

Lewes needed something to get back into the match but conceded in the opening minutes of the second half. Again a dribble from the right wing and a simple strike from close range made it 3-0. To their credit Lewes did respond. Another Lewes penalty corner saw Harvey Waller's effort blocked but young forward Jonny Rea unsettled the Havant defenders with some good running and chasing down and Lewes began to enjoy some good possession in midfield. Rea then found the byline after an interchange of passes and crossed for Ben Cooke to convert at the far post with fifteen minutes remaining to make it 3-1. Lewes continued to push forward and were unlucky when a skilful run by Chris Spruce and cross found Cooke diving in again at the far post but his shot hit the inside of the post and bounced out. In the final minutes Lewes were exposed at the back and despite some good saves by Pewter finally an aerial ball found an unmarked Havant forward one on one with Pewter and he calmly made it 4-1.

Lewes are away to Oxford University on Saturday in what is simply a must win match. Defeat and they will be relegated. Baxter is hopeful of being fit which should give Lewes more attacking options.

Match report by Paul Spruce.