Lewes refuse to go down without a fight

As the national league program drew to a conclusion this weekend it was confirmed 3 teams would be relegated from South Prem. A 4th team could also drop dependant on the outcome of relegation playoffs.

When Lewes arrived at Iffley Road on Saturday, they knew the 70 minutes ahead of them would be their final chance of keeping their season alive. Lewes - 2nd bottom, faced an Oxford Uni side 4 points above them, with 3 games to go.

They took a squad of 15 and welcomed back top scorer Alex Baxter after a week absence through a hamstring injury. Jo Piller also returned to the squad.

The opening exchanges were tense, with neither team pressing too highly up the field. Ben Cooke and Chris Spruce were a threat for the away side, where the University utilised long aerials behind the back line, the second attempt forcing a smart double save from goalkeeper Josh Pewter.

Patience in the final third was a point cemented by coach Stu Goodman. A free hit was beautifully executed into the D by Harvey Waller, Matt Clark made no mistake to make it 1-0.

This lead was however short lived. Matt Rickson conceded a corner for not retreating 5 and was also shown a yellow. The resulting corner was saved by Pewter only for the rebound to be turned in.

The game went into half time all square. After the break Oxford started to compound the defence, however James Callaway alongside Tom Stratford held strong. It was the counter-attacking prowess that helped Lewes regain the lead. Alex Baxter held the ball up in the final third and struck a ball wide of goal that was tipped in by the onrushing Chris Spruce. This 2-1 lead was nullified yet again however and in similar circumstance, short corner saved by Pewter and the rebound smoothly finished on the post.

Lewes knew that a draw was no good and they started to apply the pressure in the closing stages. Jimmy Fuller was a handful yet again and he caused no end of problems. It was Baxter that found the way through though, scoring his 16th of the season. He soon added his 17th from the penalty spot after a ball was stopped by the body of the Oxford Blues defender.

At 4-2, it was all about character and digging deep to see out the closing stages. Jo Piller remained a cool customer at the back, and the added legs of Mark Best, Alex Lloyd and Jonny Rea ensured Lewes remained a tight unit in their defensive duties. It finished 4-2 and with fortunate defeat by Henley (2 places above) Lewes are now just 2 points from potential safety with 2 games to go. Lewes will face Henley on the final game of the season.

Before that though they face a tough test against Milton Keynes at the Southdown, 1:30pm. Support greatly appreciated. It will be another must win, but the boys in green will take a lot of pride and confidence from this victory.

Report by Josh Pewter.