Lewes 1s finally get the win
Lewes deservedly won for the first time in nine matches with a comprehensive defeat of fellow relegation strugglers Holcombe.
This victory lifted Lewes off the bottom of the league up two places and left Holcombe propping up the table.
The previous week Lewes had lost the game in the first half at Purley conceding four goals. This week they effectively won it going in 4-0 up at half time. They were quicker to the ball and more determined and took their chances in a one sided half. Rory Jervis opened the scoring after five minutes from close range from a pass from Dave Roberts and then quickly doubled the lead after a melee in the circle.
Youngster Jonny Rea then made it 3-0 after fifteen minutes with an accurate shot after hesitancy from the Holcombe defence and skipper Matt Clark followed up a penalty corner rebound to make it 4-0 after twenty minutes. Lewes comfortably defended the lead up to half time.
Holcombe responded in the second half enjoying more possession but the hosts’ defence held firm. Lewes had three successive penalty corners but could not convert these opportunities to extend their lead and mid way through the half Holcombe converted one of their penalty corners to reduce the arrears. Lewes defenders Grant Davey and Tom Newman held firm as Holcombe pushed forward and with ten minutes remaining Lewes converted a penalty corner with a well worked routine as man of the match Jervis scored his hat-trick and Lewes' fifth. There was still time for Holcombe to score their second from another penalty corner and for Lewes goalkeeper Jack Edgerton to make a good reflex save in overtime from another penalty corner strike.
Skipper Matt Clark was understandably pleased with the win "We have been disappointed not to get something out of recent games but today our concentration and determination showed through. We need to push on after this result as we have played more games than sides around us and it is never certain how many sides are going to be relegated until nearer the end of the season". On Saturday they travel to Trojans who are two points ahead of them but have played a game fewer.
Report by Paul Spruce