2s tough it out to take the points

Despite missing a few key players, Lewes felt confident of securing 3 points against mid-table Burgess Hill 1s at home. However, the young and skilful Burgess Hill side started strongly, making it difficult for Lewes to penetrate the opposition half. Lewes keeper, Seren Sharpe made some crucial saves throughout the first half to keep Lewes in the game.

The greens looked most threatening with Meg Hersey running at Burgess Hill, down the right flank. And it was Hersey who converted one such run with an outstanding piece of individual skill. Amy Boyse then made it 2-0, as the 1st half drew to a close with a well taken first time shot from an inch-perfect assist from Amany Rus.

Lewes felt fortunate to be two up at the midway point but were equally happy to finally be the side to have taken their chances rather than rueing the ones they’d missed.

Only a few minutes after the commencement of the second half, Burgess Hill got one back after clearing the ball quickly out of defence, catching the home side napping and scoring a well-worked breakaway goal.

Shortly after, Emma Franks took a nasty injury to the head resulting in a 10-minute break, whilst she received treatment. Burgess Hill seemed to step it up a gear after the restart with Lewes having to withstand a barrage of attacking moves. But a combination of some outstanding tackles from Rosie Youngman and Innei Shum in defence; Fi Tubb playing a deep CM position and forward, Tess Youngman tracking back brilliantly, kept the visitors at bay.

At the other end, Lewes created only a few more chances, one of which resulted in Boyse commando rolling off the back line to avoid a further injury to the team as the keeper cleared the ball off the line.

At the final whistle, Lewes could breathe a sigh of relief to have ground out the win, with the whole team displaying superb resilience to hold on to their narrow lead. Special mention to Francesca Arlett, displaying a strong performance on the forward line, working tirelessly to press Burgess Hill defence and to Lucy Petit, who looked promising in the left midfield position.

The ladies 2s remain 3rd in the Sussex Premier and look forward to playing 9th place, Middleton next week, when hopefully the team will be back to full their full strength.