Men's 1s lose away at Purley

Although the pitch was only passed fit 2 hours before the start there were no complaints from either side and a fast flowing end to end game ensued. Sadly for Lewes it was literally a game of two halves and they effectively lost the match in the first half going in 4-0 down at half time before staging a recovery in the second half.

There was no sign of what was to happen early on as Lewes pressed forward in the opening ten minutes. But too often possession was given away cheaply and they lost their structure and were made to pay by a clinical home side. Purley took the lead from a penalty corner and doubled the lead from open play before adding a third from the penalty spot. It could have been worse as new Lewes keeper Jack Edgerton saved a second penalty but could do nothing just on half time when Purley broke away to make it 4-0.

Some harsh words at half time saw a reaction from Lewes. Rory Jervis in his first game since breaking a finger in October led from the front always looking dangerous and he scored from close range to narrow the deficit. The hosts froze as Lewes took the game to them and Jervis got his second midway through from a follow up from a penalty corner. With just under ten minutes remaining the unthinkable was possible as Jervis grabbed his hat-trick and Lewes's third. Lewes pushed players forward in search of the equaliser but with just under five minutes remaining Purley broke and a bouncing ball in the circle was flicked into the goal to end Lewes's hopes of grabbing a point.

It was significant that all Purley's goals were scored when Lewes were down to ten players and their discipline will need to improve to have any hope of getting away from the bottom of the league.

On Saturday they face another crucial match against Holcombe who themselves are third from bottom - at the Southdown Club 1.30pm.

Report by Paul Spruce