Lewes take early lead but not the win they need
With a number of games postponed due to the freezing weather, Lewes could not take advantage against league leaders Tulse Hill despite a spirited performance at the Southdown Club.
Lewes were set up with numbers in midfield and this worked early on as the hosts controlled the match with skipper Matt Clark prominent and were unlucky not to take the lead when Jonny Rea scored with a rising shot after the lacklustre Tulse Hill defence got in a muddle, but the umpire ruled the ball had gone over the back line first and disallowed it despite Lewes protests. Lewes continued to dominate and ten minutes before half time deservedly scored when a pass out of defence from Grant Davey, in his first game since October after breaking a finger, was touched on by David Roberts to Toby Price who raced clear and scored with a fierce strike from the top of the circle. Lewes' defence was under pressure just before the break, conceding successive penalty corners but keeper Simon Bullmore made an outstanding reflex save from the second one to preserve the lead.
The early pressure in the second half came again from Lewes but a penalty corner from Price was a routine save for the Tulse Hill keeper and the chance was gone to increase the lead. Up until then Tulse Hill had shown little evidence of being top of the league but slowly they grew in ascendancy and began to enjoy more possession and mid way through equalised from a well worked penalty corner. The impetus was now with the visitors and they scored again from another penalty corner five minutes later to take the lead. Lewes struggled to get back into the match despite exerting some pressure and had another penalty corner flick saved before, five minutes from time, a deflected cross off a Lewes defender’s stick was parried by the alert Bullmore - but Tulse Hill were first onto the loose ball to make it 3-1. There was still time for Matt Rickson to produce a skilful run from half way into the circle but his shot was well saved and Lewes' final opportunity was gone.
With Staines winning Lewes have slipped into the bottom two and now face a crucial away game on Saturday against Purley Walcountians.
Report by Paul Spruce