Lewes Mens 2s 0 - 4 Folkstone Mens 1s

Lewes 2nds XI, still looking for their first win on the season, travelled to league leader Folkstone. Unfortunately, initially not at full strength and Josh Randall having to pull out on the day due to illness, Lewes was looking at a tough game with only 12 players. The boys knew they needed to dig deep and run for each other.
Still confident at possibly getting a point out of the game, Lewes went into the game with a slightly different formation using two screens in midfield. In the first half the teams were very evenly matched on possession and territory, though Folkstone were clinical when they had the chances. Folkstone scored their first goal from a short corner drag flick – Billy getting a hand to it but not able to fully deflect the shot. About 10 min later Folkestone worked their way into the circle and slipped a ball from close range between Billys legs. Lewes had numerous penetrations into the Folkstone’s D but was unable to convert any opportunities or short corners into goals.

At half time Lewes were still in the game as the game was very evenly balanced despite the two-goal difference. The next goal was going to be critical to the outcome. The first period of the second half was very similar to the first half, a very even game with both sides penetrating the D without success. The killer blow was dealt when a penalty flick was awarded to Folkestone for a stick tackle in the D, which they dually converted. 3-0 with 20 min to go.

Folkstone changed their pattern and decided to get into a high press and Lewes needed to chase the game. Folkestone continued to pile on the pressure and had numerous short corners- on one such occasion a drag flick to the right post had was picked and deflected over the cross bar by Hamish Middleton. Eventually the pressure tolled and with the game opening up Folkstone converted their 4th goal to close out the match.
The score line did not reflect the possession and territory stats of the match, though Folkstone were the side that took their chances and converted their opportunities. They were the slightly stronger side. Some very good team play, pleasing to see the effort put in by all and no cards this week!!!

Man of the Match - Hugh Middleton