Lewes Men's 2's win first league game of the season

LEAGUE: Sussex Open League Division 2
HOME TEAM: Lewes Men’s 2’s 5 (Daniels 3, Yeats, Fuller)
AWAY TEAM: Crawley Men’s 2’s 2

The Lewes Men's 2nd XI went into the first league fixture of the season feeling confident, having already beaten Crawley 2s this season in a cup match. Yet they were also cautious, knowing that Crawley had overcome a 2 goal deficit in their previous matchup. 

Lewes started the game strongly, dominating possession and creating many chances. However, a lapse in concentration, waiting for the umpire’s whistle, led to a scramble for the ball in the Lewes D. The ball snuck past the line making it 1-0 Crawley. 

Not shaken by this, Lewes quickly picked themselves up and their determination won a penalty corner, which was well converted by captain Seb Daniels, levelling the scores at 1-1. Lewes' prowess in attack inevitably won them another penalty corner, again converted by Daniels, putting Lewes ahead, 2-1. Lewes' domination continued, playing some excellent passing hockey, one passage leading to a "top bins" tap in goal from Ben Yeats, after a truly wonderful attacking move.  The first half finished with Lewes deservedly ahead 3-1.

As in the previous match, Crawley started the second half determined, and, having tweaked their formation at half time, for a period were the dominant team, creating many chances. However Lewes, strong and tight at the back, managed to ward off the threat. Another Lewes goal came shortly after as Seb Daniels scored - a tap in after some more good passing hockey, completing his hat trick for the game. 

Crawley had another decent spell of attacking play, winning multiple penalty corners, one of which was converted with a powerful flick - Simon Bullmore in goal got down to it, but the block unfortunately wasn't enough to keep it out of the goal. 

Lewes rebounded from this with more good hockey, and a quick counter attack led to a well taken Pete Fuller goal, making the game 5-2 and sealing the first 3 points of the season. 

Match Report: Jamie Cooke