Solid 4 -2 home win for Mens 1s lifts them into 4th place

Following a fiercely contested loss to runaway league leaders Wimbledon last week, Lewes men’s 1st XI returned home looking to get back to winning ways.

They hosted Purley looking to settle unfinished business after dropping points in the reverse fixture last October.

Lewes started well and in perfect conditions they moved the ball with confidence finding space down both flanks. Jonny Rea poaching the ball from the purley defence on numerous occasions to set up counter attacks with Hickman and Petch.

Before long the pressure told and after some scrappy work in the opposition circle Lloyd finished one handed from a tight angle.

The away team were looking to impose some physicality upon the game and despite the first half being dominated by the men in Green they went into half time with a narrow one goal lead, slightly battered and bruised.

The second half was a more open affair and lewes capitalised on this using their pace and skill to stretch the Purley defence and create numerous chances.

Top goal scorer Hickman finished from close range to extend the lead before some good work down the left allowed Heinzl to burst into the circle from half back and finish with finesse low past the keeper.

The away side didn’t go down without a fight and managed to add two consolation goals in between lewes putting the game to bed with another smart break and finish by the energetic Rea.

Lewes were deserved recipients of the three points and assert their authority upon the tight mid table battle as they look to climb the ladder in this closely contested league. They host local rivals Horsham, 1:30pm pushback at the Southdown club.