Men's 2s outdo EG

... going into a game vs a young East Grinstead side who were still in search of their first win. Lewes started strongly, with the defence of Wenzl, Heaton, Daniels and Collier moving the ball quickly and linking up with the midfield of Worlidge, Spedding and Best. As the pressure on EG built, Parnell made a darting run to the P spot to deflect Daniels' pass and put Lewes 1-0 up. Chances came and went for Lewes up front with good work from Jonny Rea, Sam Rea, Parnell and Best whilst the defence seemed comfortable on the ball. However, a lapse in concentration allowed an EG player to ghost into the D and walk the ball round 3 players to level 1-1 10 minutes before half time. Despite Lewes’ efforts, with Max Spedding unlucky not to scorer after walking past the whole East Grinstead defence, the score remained 1-1 going to the break.

The half time team talk was full of positivity as Lewes vowed to focus on moving the ball quickly, dribbling less and being more clinical... and it was all three of those qualities combined that saw Mark Best put Lewes 2-1 up, finishing off a team move that saw nearly every player touch the ball as East Grinstead tried and failed to full press Lewes. Taking the lead should have caused Lewes to kick on and finish off the game but nerves set in as East Grinstead threw everything forward, winning a succession of 4 short corners where only the saves from Ben Berril in goal and Daniels & Collier on the posts denied East Grinstead from levelling.

Having come through the period of pressure, Lewes went back to cutting East Grinstead apart going forward. One attack resulted in a short corner where Scott Collier took advantage of a kind deflection to powerfully flick past the keeper and give Lewes a comfortable 3-1 lead. Now playing champagne hockey, Lewes should have added another from a lovely move between Jonny Rea and Parnell... only for Jonny Rea to pass when the goal was gaping. Final score 3-1.

Next Saturday the 2s are at home at 3pm against St Francis, looking to move up to 6th place in the league and continue a strong run of form.

Report by Seb Daniels