LEWES 1 BLACKHEATH AND ELTHAMIANS 1

Lewes were missing players through injury and work as the long season began to take its toll. Blackheath who similarly have been on a good run since before Christmas with an influx of players started well leaving the hosts cold scoring in the first minute as Lewes failed to clear and a close range shot put the visitors ahead.

Lewes settled and began to dominate with Matt Hickman unlucky to see a volley go over the bar and a reverse stick strike well saved. Ten minutes before half time Lewes deservedly equalised when Matt Clark deftly deflected a penalty corner strike over the goalkeeper. Lewes finished the half on top but unable to add another goal

The second half started in a similar vein with Lewes dominating possession but unable to break down a disciplined Blackheath defence. James Fuller tested the Blackheath defence with some skilfull runs and Daffyd Charles was unlucky to see two penalty corner flicks well saved by the goalkeeper. Hickman knew it was not going to be his day when after a break he took the ball to the side of the goalkeeper but from a narrow angle his strike hit the inside of the post and rolled along the line and away.

James Callaway and Sam Gill broke up the few Blackheath attacks but in the final ten minutes the visitors saw their opportunity to grab three points with three penalty corners but goalkeeper Andrew Isaacs made successive saves to preserve a point. Lewes will feel they could and should have won but will take a point which consolidates their fifth place in the league.

This weekend Lewes will have some players returning as they face a long trip in the league to Canterbury on Saturday and a last 16 HA Cup tie at Barnes on Sunday.

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