Lewes give hope with a resounding win

Lewes started well, pressing the Bournemouth defence and, after ten minutes, a skilful run by Toby Price beating three defenders set up David Roberts to score from close range. Bournemouth became frustrated and some poor tackles saw them down to nine players but Lewes struggled to make the extra players count. In fact Bournemouth utilised the aerial ball to great effect and but for Mike Wood's clearance off the line via a post the scores would have been level after they split open the Lewes defence. As soon as they were back up to eleven players they equalised from a well taken strike. Lewes then regained the momentum with Matt Rickson seeing a shot fly just past the far post but two penalty corners were wasted just before half time.

In the second half skipper Matt Clark was prominent in most of the hosts attacks and he set up Rory Jervis who deflected superbly his pass into the goal with his reverse stick to give Lewes the lead. Mid table Bournemouth had fast forwards and equalised again from close range five minutes later. Lewes responded and as Bournemouth again became frustrated with umpires’ decisions losing three players to temporary suspensions a fast break saw Jervis set up Roberts who scored his second and Lewes's third with a fierce shot from the top of the circle. Bournemouth pressed again but defenders Grant Davey, Tom Stratford and Tom Voller held firm and goalkeeper Jack Edgerton saved well from a point blank shot to keep Lewes ahead. With ten minutes remaining after a good move down the right involving Jonny Rea, whose selfless running all afternoon stretched the Bournemouth defence, Jervis was released and he scored again to give Lewes a two goal cushion. Lewes absorbed pressure in the final minutes but deservedly held on for three crucial points.

Skipper Matt Clark was understandably delighted "we gave a strong disciplined performance today and scored just at the right times. I am really pleased how we bounced back after some disappointing performances and with two matches left and results in other leagues still not determining whether two or four teams will go down it is still all to play for but all we can do is concentrate on our own results."

On Saturday they are away at Staines who are four points and two places ahead of them in the league. Staines will be buoyed by having beaten league leaders Oxford University last week who Lewes play in their final fixture.

Report by Paul Spruce