Lewes battle to a frustrating draw at Purley

The game started positively with Lewes taking the game to the home side with fast attacking breaks and trademark pace. Before long the pressure was telling and with some smart work down the wing, Gill again finished from close range.

This must have spurred the home side on. Their direct and physical approach began to cause problems for the home side. After a barrage of penalty corners and crash balls into the circle the men in black bundled in the equaliser following a smart reaction save from Lewes’ young debutant keeper.

With the majority of the possession and attacking intent it wasn’t long before Lewes again pulled ahead as Heitman calmly finished in his long-awaited return to the fray.

Also returning this week, former captain Jellings’ speed and defensive determination shone in the first half alongside veritable LTD legend Matt Clark. The feeling of ascendency for the visitors soon turned to frustration as a collision off the ball left the Lewes side down to ten men and Purley quickly utilised the man advantage to snatch the equaliser.

The frustration grew and Purley turned the game on its head scoring again despite the ball appearing to strike the forwards foot. Lewes found themselves with nine outfield players and as the whistle blew for half time Purley entered their huddle with a contentious lead.

The second half began much like the first and with the visiting side back to eleven they showed some impressive attacking patterns stretching the Purley side and camping out in their attacking third. However, nothing would fall for the men in green as they vied to create a clear-cut chance.

Another controversial decision gave the home side the chance to cement their lead and possibly seal the game with a penalty stroke. However, the pantomime villain of the day could only find the post as he left the door ajar for Lewes entering the final ten minutes of play.

Finally, after considerable possession and attacking venture, the ball was delivered from Tapping into the circle where Heitman bagged his second of the game bringing honours even. This is how the game would finish and Lewes will rue their lack of discipline and decision making but an encouraging second-half performance prevented them leaving empty-handed.’