Lewes made to settle for point

Epsom HC Men’s 1’s 4-4 Lewes HC (Hickman, Clark (2), Spruce)

Lewes were unable to make it three wins out of three as they had to settle for a draw in a game which was played in tough conditions.

The game began with Lewes having the majority of the ball, but it was the home side who struck first in the first 5 minutes with a well worked team goal.

Just like the previous week against Canterbury, Lewes responded well to going a goal down and talisman Matt Hickman got the away side level with a fantastic reverse stick strike into the bottom right hand corner from the top of the circle. They were ahead 5 minutes later when good work from Sam Gill in defence saw his ball into the circle cutely deflected past the keeper by Matt Clark.

Lewes really began to turn the screw and 2-1 suddenly became 3-1 when great work down the right hand side by forward Jonny Rea saw his ball across the goal deflected in by skipper Chris Spruce and Lewes had a two goal advantage.

The home side rallied and a short corner routine saw an unmarked forward tap in at the back post. Suddenly Lewes were on the ropes and an extremely dubious decision by the umpire to award the home side a penalty flick was duly dispatched and 3-1 had suddenly become 3-3 going into half-time.

Lewes knew they needed to respond and started the second half brightly, creating a number of good chances. However a combination of good saves and poor finishing meant Lewes couldn’t find a way past the Epsom defence. That was until great work down the left by Hickman saw his low reverse stick cross deflected into the goal by the ever impressive and energetic Matt Clark and Lewes deservedly had their lead back.

As conditions worsened so did the discipline. With green and yellow cards being shown to both teams as the umpires started to have their say on the game. Lewes looked like they had weathered the storm and would be able to hang on to all 3 points. But with just over 5 minutes remaining, the home side took advantage of some slack defending and punished the visitors to draw level.

Lewes had chances to regain the lead in the final few minutes but couldn’t find that final pass or finish and it wasn’t to be, as they had to make do with a share of the spoils.

They currently sit in 4th place and now have a much needed weeks break before travelling to Old Bordenians on the 7th of November.