2s Take Revenge in El Classico Part 2

Lewes Men’s 2s were full of confidence going into their derby vs Lewes 3s, determined to avenge the 3-1 loss in the corresponding fixture before Christmas. 
 
The umpires started the game and from the off the 2s dominated possession with the 3s struggling to string many passes together whilst their forwards struggled to get a touch of the ball. This was down to the 2s press being implemented perfectly by the forward line of Harry ‘The Weapon’ Davenport, Seb Daniels and Joe Rideout followed by Oli Loader and Ali Hancorn in midfield.

With this domination, the 2s won a few short corners with the first being struck with pace hard and low through the keeper’s legs from Seb Daniels. 1-0 to the 2s. The dominance continued and it should have been 2 as Rideout found himself 1v1 with the keeper but he unfortunately missed his first-time attempt. A few minutes later there were less concerns another short corner was converted by Daniels after a neat one-two with Tom Clinch. 2-0 with 25 minutes played.

Now it was a question of seeing the game through and keeping calm as the 3s tried all they could to wind the 2s players up; unfortunately for them the 2s weren’t going to drop their standards. Just before the break, the 2s broke down the left-hand side with another clever move which Rideout finished confidently into the bottom corner.

The half time whistle blew and the 2s were delighted. The team talk from captains Simon Bullmore and Daniels was clear: keep calm, and we will win.

The second half started and the 3s changed formation to 3 at the back, and with some determination to upset the 2s, started on the front foot. The game was fought in midfield with both teams cancelling each other out. Unfortunately for the 2s a very harsh short corner was conceded by what looked a great tackle by Gui Green, which was then superbly converted by a certain George Martin smashing the ball vs the inside of the right post. 3-1.

This goal gave the 2s a kick up the proverbial with the defence of Peter Thomas, Sam Anderson, Theo Whiting, and Matt Denham starting to dominate the ball and push higher up the pitch. This forced the midfield and forwards into the 3s half and the 2s began to dominate once again.

Eventually with this added pressure, Daniels found the ball at the right-hand side of the D and smashed home into the bottom left corner to finish the game, with the goal resulting in a below par celebration by Daniels who once again found himself scoring a hattrick - this is becoming an expensive season for the club’s top goal scorer.

A solid 4-1 victory over club rivals really impressed the crowd down at the Southdowns with special mentions to Whiting, Loader, Anderson and Hancorn who impressed even the harshest of commentators. The bragging rights have returned to the 2s who now are looking ahead to the chance of promotion and even winning Division 2. Much work still to do but with a lot of confidence and great commitment the 2s have high expectations.
 
MOTM: Daniels

4 Goals: Daniels, Daniels, Rideout, Daniels

Report: Tom Clinch