Lewes 1s lose to Trojans

The hope and expectation that the previous week’s win had given to Lewes was soon expunged with a heavy defeat against fellow strugglers Trojans in Southampton.

Lewes remain third from bottom but are now four points adrift of Staines in ninth place who also have a game in hand. The early exchanges were even but the hosts took the lead after ten minutes from open play. Lewes exerted some authority in midfield and a good run and cross from Mark Best found Rory Jervis who coolly converted to level. Ten minutes later Lewes' penalty corner routine worked as the alert Toby Price latched onto a rebound off the goalkeeper to give Lewes the lead. But as so often this season the defence was incapable of protecting the lead and by halftime they had conceded three goals, one a penalty stroke after a sliding tackle from Matt Rickson was adjudged to have taken the forward out and two from open play.

The second half saw Trojans protect their lead, defending deeply, and Lewes enjoyed good periods of possession but despite skipper Matt Clark's hard working display in midfield they struggled to create opportunities. Fifteen minutes from time Trojans converted a penalty corner and soon after another open play goal sealed Lewes' fate.

A disappointing result and performance and nothing but victory on Saturday 11.45 am at the Southdown Club against Ashford, who are one point behind with a game in hand, will more than likely see Lewes with too much to do to avoid relegation.

Report by Paul Spruce