Lewes Men's 1s defeat Holcombe 7-2

Matt Hickman continued his blistering from in front of goal as his four-goal salvo fired Lewes Men’s 1st XI to a 7-2 victory over Holcombe in Kent/Sussex Division One.

The former Belper star who re-joined Lewes this season after completing his studies at university has been on an irresistible run in front of goal this season, bagging 11 in the first four matches.

Kent outfit Holcombe were the latest to feel the wrath of Hickman’s ruthless streak. The visitors led twice in the first ten minutes thanks to a well-worked penalty corner and a backhand shot from the top of the circle from Ekam Bachu and Robert Brunt respectively. Hickman’s first was either side of those and Lewes were soon on terms thanks to a second of the game for the in-form striker.

Captain Alex Jellings, who was having a fine game in midfield, added his name to the scoresheet before the break with a blockbuster from the edge of the circle. His powerful strike left the Holcombe goalkeeper grasping at thin air as it arrowed into the far corner of the net, sending Lewes into the half-time break in the ascendancy, 3-2.

Holcombe started the second half strongly, knowing the next goal was a crucial one. The Kent outfit began to push players forward from the back, aiming to get down the side of the Lewes defence and into the circle from wide areas. Tom Newman and Harvey Waller did a good job of stemming the flow of attacks whilst Mike Wood and Chris Whiting both showed good strength in one-on-one situations, leaving Holcombe repeatedly frustrated.

With a strong defensive platform to build from, Lewes’ pace on the break began to pay dividends. Hickman completed his hat-trick before Daffydd Charles, another returnee to the club this season, added his name to the scoring. Charles produced a neat turn and finish, calmly slotting the ball under the goalkeeper. Hickman bagged a fourth from a rebound, but Lewes saved the best for last: A searing break from Jonny Rea carved open the visitors’ defence and the 21-year-old forward had the presence of mind to pick out Jimmy Fuller who made no mistake with the finish, putting the gloss on a fine attacking display from the home side.

The win moves Theo Dowse’s team up to third in the league with a big game against local rivals Brighton to come this weekend.

Match Report: Ross Bone