London Academicals Mens 1st XI 3-4 Lewes HC Mens 1st X (Hickman, Rea (2), Gill)

An opening ten minutes saw both teams trying to adjust to the blustery conditions on a difficult and slow pitch. It was the home side who had the first big opportunity of the game as the umpire pointed for a penalty stroke after a clash in the D. Keeper Isaacs came to the rescue and guessed correctly, making a smart save low down to his left. This kicked Lewes into gear and a ten minute spell of excellent, fast, counter attacking hockey saw firstly Lewes striker Matthew Hickman calmly slot through the keepers legs and then a superb individual solo goal by winger Jonny Rea, saw the youngster beat five players on his way into the circle before nonchalanty rounding the keeper to slot into an empty net and put Lewes two goals to the good.

However, London Academicals did not show any sign of giving up the fight and pushed Lewes back as mistakes began to creep in which led to a well taken strike from their skilful forward bringing them back into the game. Lewes' discipline, alongside some interesting umpiring decisions led to them going down to 10 men just before half-time. They knew it would be a backs to the wall job to hold off the home side with a man disadvantage and so it proved as they equalised just after the break to bring the game level. The speed and aggression in the game began to boil over and further cards were shown to both sides for some poor tackles.

In seasons gone by, this Lewes side may well have folded, but once again another brilliant spell of counter attacking hockey saw Sam Gill score a well-worked short corner routine, before the very impressive Jonny Rea scored another fantastic solo goal with a brilliant reverse stick finish into the bottom corner having been too quick and skilful for the Academicals defence. Lewes then had to withstand a barrage of attacks and shots at goal, with keeper Isaacs up to the challenge, making a number of fine saves.

With 5 minutes to go, the most controversial moment in the match was to take place. A shot which seemingly looked to be covered by Isaacs managed to somehow make its way into the back of the net, with the umpire being very quick and certain to award the goal to Lewes’ disbelief. The away side were certain that the ball had gone in via the damaged outside netting. This led to Lewes' strong appeals for the goal to be disallowed greeted with two yellow cards and after a brief discussion between the umpires the goal stood.

Lewes were then made to hang on and the nine men withstood a final barrage from the home team to secure their fifth win in the league since Christmas and see them move to just a point behind third placed Canterbury.

They take on a much improved Blackheath side net Saturday at the Southdown club looking to keep their outside hopes of a possible promotion play-off place intact and continue their impressive home form that sees them having not lost since October.